Projects

Project: St George’s Cathedral Precinct

Client: Perth Diocesan Trust

Stage: Master Planning

In 2006 Appian Group was engaged by the Perth Diocesan Trust on behalf of the St George's Cathedral Chapter to undertake the role of Principal's Representative for Stage 1 of the Restoration of the St George's Cathedral. This assignment required Appian Group to oversee the activities of the Superintendent, consultant team, contractor and coordinate site work with the functions of the Cathedral. This phase of the works involved strengthening of the Cathedral, replacement of the slate roof and restoration of the external fabric of the Cathedral. This first phase was completed in late 2007.

The Trustees subsequently decided to continue with the redevelopment of the heritage listed group of buildings, which includes the Cathedral, Burt Memorial Hall and the Old Deanery. The group of buildings also includes the Playhouse site. The key objective of the redevelopment is to improve the accessibility and function of the precinct whilst creating inviting spaces and increasing activation of the precinct, which will expand the church community and improve the Cathedral outreach.

Appian Group's brief was extended to assume responsibility for the development of a precinct master plan, design development, procurement strategy, development of contract documentation, negotiations and management of the consultant team and contractors.  Appian Group is required to fulfill all project management functions including development of a precinct budget and development program for the Perth Diocesan Trust.

The assignment requires Appian Group to review all prior considerations through a consultative process with the Cathedral's internal and external stakeholders to determine the redevelopment objectives and set priorities. The master plan will consider the development of surrounding facilities, including the Old Treasury Building, Law Chambers building and others, to ensure that these do not detract from the master plan for the heritage precinct. Once the master plan and development program have been established, Appian Group will implement a comprehensive process which will manage the work program to completion over a number of stages.

Approval of the Precinct Master Plan is expected in early 2011 which will enable the redevelopment of the Playhouse site.  The external works to Burt Memorial Hall and the Deanery, along with the installation of a significant artwork in the Cathedral surrounds, will be completed during March 2011.  Restoration of the internals of Burt Memorial Hall and the Deanery will be carried out during 2011.

There is a history surrounding construction of Cathedrals around the world, where it has taken decades and sometimes centuries to fulfill the original visions. The original design of the St George's Cathedral was modified during the initial construction due to the death of the architect in 1883. The Chapter is committed to fulfillment of Edmund Blacket's vision to install a 57m high spire to the existing bell tower. In addition, the Chapter is keen to establish a new song school on the Playhouse site.

The redevelopment will require applications for funding grants from both State and Federal Governments and continued funding from members of the Cathedral community. Close consultation is required with all approval authorities, in particular the Heritage Council of WA, the Commonwealth Department of Environment and the City of Perth.

Given the nature of the site, many of the tasks are strongly interwoven and all have the potential to impact the primary function of the precinct as a place of worship and education. The maintenance of the purpose and function of the precinct is paramount to the success of the project.