New cathedral precinct to be opened in November

The new cathedral precinct in Maitland in the NSW Hunter region is expected to be officially unveiled in early November, to mark the 150th anniversary of the Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle, reports The Maitland Mercury.

The $5 million project has involved the renovation of St John’s church and major landscaping work on the surrounding grounds.

Vice Chancellor of Administration, Sean Scanlon, said St John’s was significant because it was the Diocese’s original church.

“We’ve spent quite a few million dollars trying to restore this church and bring this part of Maitland back to life so it can be a community asset again,” he said.

Fairfax Media previously reported the St John’s Convent building would be converted into short-term accommodation, the Bishop’s Residence would become private accommodation, and the cathedral car park would be transformed into a landscaped area that could be used for functions for up to 130 people.