Last year, the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia on Cleveland Street in Redfern, unveiled its massive renovation plan for the restoration of the Cathedral of the Annunciation of Our Lady. One year later, the Archdiocese is still waiting to go forward with the five-stage redevelopment plan.
With an initial budget of $2 million, the specific historical building’s renovation will entail some alterations and the inclusion of new features for functionality, aside from the repair of deteriorating structures.
Designed and built in 1848 by Edmund Blacket as the St Paul’s Anglican Church, the gothic architectural building was reconsecrated for the Orthodox faith in the 1970s. It became a heritage-listed site in 2012 whilst the church community has been recognised for establishing and sustaining the religious practices of Greek-Australians in New South Wales.
The next stages of the renovation will cover work for a new St Andrew’s Theological College. The old building will be demolished and replaced by a new structure designed by Angelo Candalepas, a Greek-Australian architect who has worked on projects like St Mary’s Cathedral and the Punchbowl Mosque.
The college’s site will also house the new administration office for the Archdiocese, a new Library and Museum, and a basement level crypt.
Mr Candalepas ensured that his ideas for the overhaul of the buildings will deliver what the community and the next generations need, whilst preserving some of the building’s cultural and historical significance.
The first stage is expected to be completed by March 2024, when the Archdiocese celebrates 100 years. However, the whole renovation plan is expected to be completed within two decades with a total budget of $15 million.
Following the conclusion of the public exhibition of the development application (DA D/2020/1361) on 9 Feb 2021, the Archdiocese is now awaiting approval from Council to start construction work.