Broken Bay Diocese has appointed an international award-winning architect to design its new cathedral as part of a master-planned cathedral precinct project. Source: Broken Bay News.
Níall McLaughlin Architects will design the cathedral precinct project, led by Royal Institute of British Architecture’s 2026 Royal Gold Medal recipient Níall McLaughlin. The Royal Gold Medal is one of the highest international architectural honours.
The project will transform the Waitara 7.7 hectare site into a landmark spiritual and civic destination, providing a spiritual focal point for the faithful in Broken Bay, which covers an area of 2763 square kilometres across the three deaneries from the New South Wales’ upper Central Coast, North Shore and Northern Beaches.
Celebrating its 40th anniversary since being proclaimed a diocese in April 1986 by St John Paul II, Broken Bay now serves about 250,000 Catholics.
Níall McLaughlin Architects was selected to design the precinct following an international design competition convened by the diocese under the leadership of Archbishop Anthony Randazzo.
Following his recent appointment by Pope Leo XIV as archbishop and Prefect for Legislative Texts, and now serving as Apostolic Administrator of the Broken Bay Diocese, Archbishop Randazzo said the project remains a primary priority for the diocese.
“The cathedral precinct is a home for faith, a place for community, and a commitment to the faithful of today and for future generations,” he said.
“The vision for the precinct, and its design will represent a visible and living heart for diocesan life, where worship, formation, pastoral care, outreach, and administration come together in service of commission, community, and the common good.
“While my responsibilities have expanded to serve the universal Church in Rome, my commitment to this vision is unwavering. The appointment of Níall McLaughlin Architects signals we are moving ahead with confidence to create a community legacy for generations to come.”
Níall McLaughlin also spoke of the project during his address last night at the Rothwell Public Lecture series at the University of Sydney, which highlights world-leading architects.
“We are delighted to work on this significant project to help create an enduring spiritual, civic, and cultural precinct that places the faithful at its centre,” Mr McLaughlin said in Sydney.
A defining feature of the project vision is the creation of a “virtuous circle” of Catholic life, where the precinct seamlessly integrates spiritual growth with a lifelong journey of learning.
By connecting the new spiritual heart to a modern education campus – including the facilities at St Leo’s Catholic College – the project establishes an holistic path from baptism through to early learning, primary, and secondary education. This integrated approach ensures the cathedral is a living centre that serves all ages of its community.
Details: Broken Bay Cathedral Precinct Project
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Historic Milestone with Cathedral Precinct Build (Broken Bay News)
