Legal Dispute Over St Mary’s Cathedral Development Plans in Sydney

A proposed $39.2 million development at St Mary’s Cathedral in Sydney has been challenged in the NSW Land and Environment Court after the City of Sydney Council refused the application. The Catholic Archdiocese of Sydney, which lodged the development proposal, is now appealing the decision.

The Catholic Archdiocese of Sydney submitted a development application (D/2023/1153) for 2 St Mary’s Road, part of the heritage-listed St Mary’s Cathedral precinct. The plans include a six-storey chancery building designed to replace an existing car park and provide office space, a public café, and a bookshop.

St Mary’s Cathedral Sydney — *Photo Credit: D/2023/1153*

The project has been in progress for four years, involving consultations with Heritage NSW, the NSW Heritage Council, and the City of Sydney Council. The Archdiocese says the development will help modernise facilities and support administrative functions, which are currently located off-site.

However, the City of Sydney Council declined the application, citing:

Concerns about heritage impact on the historic cathedral site
Design not meeting excellence standards
Insufficient demonstration of sustainable development principles

Court Appeal and First Hearing Date

In response to the refusal, the Catholic Archdiocese of Sydney lodged an appeal, bringing the matter to the NSW Land and Environment Court. The first hearing was scheduled last Friday, February 14, 2025.

A City of Sydney Council spokesperson confirmed that the council could not comment while the matter is before the court. Similarly, a representative from the Archdiocese stated they would not provide further remarks on the case.

St Mary’s Cathedral expansion plans in Sydney — *Photo Credit: D/2023/1153*

Community Response: Mixed Reactions to Development

The proposed expansion has drawn mixed reactions from the community.

Supporters argue that the project will improve the cathedral’s facilities and provide better services for visitors and parishioners.
Others express concerns that a modern structure could alter the site’s historic character, and some parishioners oppose the proposal’s scale and design.

Parishioner Richard Stevens expressed strong opposition in a letter to the City of Sydney Council, stating he was appalled by the prospect of a large, modern structure being placed between the historic Chapter House and the cathedral.

Another submission raised concerns that the development would impact the visual prominence of the cathedral, which many regard as an essential example of Gothic Revival architecture in Australia.

Additional concerns include potential disruptions during construction, shading issues, and blocked views of the cathedral’s façade.

Sydney heritage site development proposal — *Photo Credit: D/2023/1153*

What Happens Next?

The NSW Land and Environment Court will now determine the outcome of the development application appeal. The decision could allow the project to proceed or uphold the council’s rejection.

Construction cannot begin until a ruling is made, and the future of the St Mary’s Cathedral expansion remains undecided.

Published 18-Feb-2025