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A New Cathedral for Sydney

April 2026

A New Cathedral for Sydney

Níall McLaughlin Architects has been appointed to design a new Catholic Cathedral in Sydney’s Waitara suburb, as the centrepiece of a new spiritual, civic and cultural precinct for the Diocese of Broken Bay, in New South Wales.

The Cathedral Precinct Project will establish an integrated centre of Catholic life in the region and is poised to become a distinctive local landmark and a spiritual focal point for the parishes of the Northern Beaches, Central Coast, and North Shore.

Key to the project vision is the creation of a lifelong journey for congregants: from Baptism through to early learning, primary, and secondary education – ensuring the Cathedral is a living centre that serves all ages of its community. 

The design highlights responsible, sustainable materials that complement the natural setting, in keeping with Pope Francis’s call to care for our common home.

Generous public spaces will embed the site within the neighbourhood and welcome the community – creating a place that prioritises people and permeability.  

The international competition was organised by the diocese and led by the Archbishop Anthony Randazzo DD JCL, for the Hornsby Cathedral Parish community and the entire Diocese of Broken Bay. 

 

Faith Museum - Gubbio Prize 2024

November 2024

Faith Museum - Gubbio Prize 2024

The Auckland Castle, Tower and Faith Museum received an Honourable Mention in the European Category of the Gubbio Prize 2024.

The jury praised the project “For its capacity to enrich the village through a new configuration of public spaces and through the insertion of a sophisticated and bold contemporary architecture, which integrates harmoniously into the historical context without falling into mere mimicry”.

The Gubbio Prize is Italy's most prestigious award for projects undertaken within sensitive historic and heritage settings. The prize is awarded every three years by the National Association of Historic-Artistic Centers ANCSA.

The project was a collaboration between Niall McLaughlin Architects and Purcell. Associate Anne Schroell travelled to Gubbio to receive the award and present the project.

Further information about the event is available here.