Niall McLaughlin Architects to design Australia's first new cathedral precinct in over a century in Sydney

Niall McLaughlin Architects, a London studio led by Irish architect Niall McLaughlin, has revealed initial designs for a Roman Catholic cathedral in Sydney's Waitara suburb. The building will anchor a 7.7-hectare spiritual centre for the Diocese of Broken Bay, marking Australia's first entirely masterplanned cathedral precinct in more than 100 years. McLaughlin, recent recipient of the RIBA Royal Gold Medal, will collaborate with Australian firm Hayball on the project. Architectural elements like timber framing and sandstone facades draw inspiration from the Hawkesbury River's surrounding forests, bluffs, and caves. The precinct will integrate with St Leo's Catholic College to foster a continuous Catholic educational journey from baptism through secondary school. Additional structures will house clergy residences, diocesan offices, a pastoral centre, parish hall, cafe, bookshop, and public roof gardens. Archbishop Randazzo, apostolic administrator of the Diocese of Broken Bay, stated the appointment reflects confidence in creating a lasting community legacy. McLaughlin's acclaimed portfolio includes the 2013 Bishop Edward King Chapel in Oxford and the Stirling Prize-winning 2022 New Library at Magdalene College, University of Cambridge.