A significant milestone has been reached in the development of an integrated centre of Catholic life in Sydney, with the appointment of internationally acclaimed Níall McLaughlin Architects to design a new cathedral and civic quarter in the Diocese of Broken Bay.
New Cathedral Precinct Planned for Broken Bay
The Cathedral Precinct Project will transform a 7.7-hectare site in Waitara into a major spiritual and civic destination. The development coincides with the Diocese’s 40th anniversary and reflects its long-term vision for community, faith, and service. Established in 1986, the Diocese serves approximately 250,000 Catholics across 2,763 square kilometres, spanning the upper Central Coast, North Shore, and Northern Beaches.
The project will provide a central spiritual hub for the Diocese, bringing together worship, education, and community services in one cohesive precinct.
The design is being led by Níall McLaughlin, a recent recipient of the Royal Institute of British Architects’ Royal Gold Medal, one of the highest honours in global architecture. His London-based practice, Níall McLaughlin Architects (NMLA), was selected through an invited international design process led by the Diocese under the leadership of Archbishop Anthony Randazzo.
Archbishop Randazzo, who was recently appointed by Pope Leo XIV as Archbishop and Prefect for Legislative Texts and now serves as Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese of Broken Bay, has reaffirmed the importance of the project.
He described the Cathedral Precinct as a long-term commitment to the faithful, emphasising its role as a centre for worship, formation, pastoral care, outreach, and administration. Despite his expanded responsibilities in Rome, he has maintained that the project remains a key priority for the Diocese.
Níall McLaughlin Architects Lead Cathedral Precinct Design in Sydney
Níall McLaughlin highlighted the significance of the project during a recent address at the Rothwell Public Lecture series at the University of Sydney. Known for his focus on materiality, craftsmanship, light, and the relationship between architecture and landscape, McLaughlin brings extensive experience to the project.
His portfolio includes notable works such as the Bishop Edward King Chapel in Oxford, the New Library at Magdalene College, Cambridge, the Auckland Castle Faith Museum, and the Museum of Jesus’ Baptism in Bethany, Jordan.
The Cathedral Precinct is envisioned as a “virtuous circle” of Catholic life, integrating spiritual development with lifelong education. By connecting the cathedral with an adjacent education campus, including facilities at St. Leo’s Catholic College, the project establishes a continuous pathway from baptism through early learning to primary and secondary education. The design draws inspiration from the Hawkesbury River watershed, which connects the Diocese’s 26 parishes. The concept imagines a congregation moving beneath a forest of timber structures, enclosed by sandstone forms inspired by local landscapes.
Sustainability is a central theme of the project, guided by the principles of Laudato si’, Pope Francis’ encyclical on environmental stewardship. The design incorporates responsible material selection and aims to complement the natural surroundings.
Working in collaboration with Australian firm Hayball as Executive Architect, the project prioritises accessibility, openness, and integration with the surrounding neighbourhood. Plans include generous public spaces such as a cathedral forecourt, along with a café and bookshop.
The precinct will also house a Pastoral Centre, Parish Hall, and a new home for CatholicCare, supporting seniors and people living with disabilities. Additional facilities will include residences for clergy and diocesan offices.
Environmental considerations remain a priority, with the preservation of the existing Blue Gum High Forest as a public green space. Proposed roof gardens will further enhance biodiversity across the site.
The project will now move into detailed design and planning approval stages, which will determine construction timelines. It will be delivered over several years through a multi-stream funding strategy, including institutional investment and philanthropic contributions.
Cathedral Precinct Project Details
Location: Waitara, Sydney
Client: Diocese of Broken Bay
Architect: Níall McLaughlin Architects (NMLA)
Executive Architect: Hayball
Site Area: 7.7 hectares
Project Type: Cathedral and integrated civic precinct
Scope: Cathedral, education facilities, community services, pastoral and administrative spaces
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