Projects

Project: St George’s Cathedral Precinct

Client: Perth Diocesan Trust

Stage: Master Planning

Appian Group was engaged by the Trustees in 2006 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 that Appian Group oversee the activities of the Superintendent, consultant team and the contractor and coordinate site work with the functions of the Cathedral. This phase of the works involved structural strengthening of the Cathedral, replacement of the slate roof and restoration of the external fabric of the Cathedral, and was completed in late 2007.

The Trustees have decided to continue with the redevelopment of the group of buildings, the majority of which are heritage listed. The precinct includes the Cathedral, Burt Memorial Hall, the Old Deanery, playhouse site and surrounds. Appian Group's brief has been extended to accept the 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 will be required to fulfil all project management functions including development of a precinct budget and development program for the Perth Diocesan Trust.

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 (whilst not necessarily increasing commercialisation). The desired outcome is to expand the church community and improve the Cathedral outreach.

The assignment requires that Appian Group reviews 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 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.

The development 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.

There is a history surrounding construction of Cathedrals around the world where it has taken decades, and sometimes centuries, to fulfil the original visions. The 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 fulfilment 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 in the precinct.

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 will be paramount to the success of the project.