The Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia is planning to restore the Cathedral of the Annunciation of Our Lady and build a new theological college and museum.
The Cathedral has been located at 242 Cleveland Street in Redfern since 1848. The rectory was designed by John Burcham Clamp. It was an Anglican church for its first century, before being reconsecrated to the Orthodox faith in 1970.
It is also listed on the state heritage register for its significance as an “early ecclesiastical design in the architectural career of Edmund Blacket. Originally St Paul’s Anglican Church, its Decorated Gothic design became one of the established architectural models for parish church construction throughout NSW.”
“This item is also significant as the Greek Orthodox Cathedral for Australia and for its association with the migrant communities that settled in NSW following the Second World War. Establishing churches and maintaining the orthodox faith has always been a significant aspect of the Greek-Australian experience and, since the conversion and re-consecration of the church to the Orthodox faith in 1970, the cathedral has become a centre for worship and the continuity and celebration of Greek customs, traditions and language,” it added.
The $15 million project will also see the construction of two, three-storey buildings and the demolition of the existing theological college building.
The former rectory and the new buildings will be connected and will together accommodate worship spaces, function rooms, a museum, library, offices, theological college domiciles, guest domiciles, bookstore and the dean’s residence. A new café is also included in the plans designed by Candalepas Associates.
The development application for the updates to Cathedral of the Annunciation of Our Lady is on public exhibition until 9 February.