New South Wales
St Saviour’s Cathedral was designed in 1874 by architect Edmund Blacket, and is of cultural significance to NSW, the Diocese of Goulburn, the history of the site and the history of Goulburn. MFA (Michael Fox Architects) were engaged in 2012 as heritage architects for the conservation management of the Cathedral.
MFA heritage program commenced with preparation of Conservation and Asset Management Plans. Resultant initial conservation priorities included resolving rising and falling damp, roof ornaments including finials and crosses, parapets and the Great East Window settlement and movement.
The air drains and Great East Window programs were part funded by NSW government heritage grants and careful cost management enables the conservation program to proceed. Future program components include the Cathedral floor, internal fixtures and fittings, roof works, sound, lighting and Cathedral Spire.
The conservation program is of great benefit to the Diocese, Cathedral and parishioners.
The drainage system around the Cathedral solved a major problem of rising damp and water penetration. Within 6 months of completion the unpleasant internal dampness odour was eliminated.
A major benefit of the drainage program was creation of accessible entries for our clergy and parishioners.
The Sanctuary is adjacent to the magnificent Great East Window and the cracks in the Window required urgent attention. With thanks to the NSW government, and our conservation team, the complex Window conservation program has been implemented.
The Australian Institute of Architects acknowledges First Nations peoples as the Traditional Custodians of the lands, waters, and skies of the continent now called Australia.
We express our gratitude to their Elders and Knowledge Holders whose wisdom, actions and knowledge have kept culture alive.
We recognise First Nations peoples as the first architects and builders. We appreciate their continuing work on Country from pre-invasion times to contemporary First Nations architects, and respect their rights to continue to care for Country.
