The Hornsby Cathedral Precinct Redevelopment Project responds to the evolving needs of the Diocese, and brings to life a long-held vision to better integrate the spiritual, educational and social care dimensions of Catholic mission within the broader community.

This transformative project will renew ageing infrastructure and deliver purpose-built facilities and spaces that serve both the Catholic and wider community - now and for generations to come.

The Hornsby Cathedral Precinct Redevelopment Project is being delivered by the Catholic Diocese of Broken Bay  and the Hornsby Cathedral Parish. For more information on the Diocese or the Parish, visit their website.

Components of this Project relating to the Education Quarter are being delivered by Catholic Schools Broken Bay (CSBB). For more information on CSBB and the Bishop’s vision for Catholic education, visit their website.

We understand that those who live near the Precinct - and those who visit it - will want to know how matters such as traffic, parking, and care for the local environment are being considered.

To support this, we’ve engaged a range of technical consultants to help us assess potential impacts and develop specialised plans for traffic and pedestrian movement, ecological constraints, flooding, and other key issues. These studies are a required part of the planning process and will inform both the Masterplan and future applications.

The Planning Proposal (rezoning) will include preliminary assessments, noting that it does not seek approval for any building works. Future Development Applications and State Significant Development Applications will be supported by detailed technical studies, including management plans and recommendations to guide implementation and ensure accountability.

As plans progress, the community will have opportunities to view and provide feedback on these materials.

Our community drop‑in session on 26 November 2025 has now taken place. We’re grateful to everyone who joined and shared their feedback. While that event is now behind us, please be assured that regular updates will continue as the project progresses.

‍The Planning Proposal will establish the maximum heights permitted across the site. These will vary depending on location and intended and will be appropriate to the surrounding development.  The project team is still working through the proposed building heights and will keep the community informed as planning progresses.

The Project will bring more people to the area, but in a way that is sustainable and community focused.  The new facilities are expected to attract a diverse group of users, including staff for the new offices, worshippers, and visitors to the Pastoral Centre. 

While the specific number of new residents is still being determined, this increase in density aligns with the NSW government's broader strategy to address the housing shortage by encouraging well-located development near public transport. 

By introducing a mix of housing and community amenities, the Project supports this state-wide goal and contributes to a more vibrant, well-connected neighbourhood.  It also helps reduce urban sprawl by making smart use of a central, accessible location.

We know traffic and parking is a concern for the community.  The Precinct design will minimise the impacts of vehicle movements and create shared parking areas at central locations.

A comprehensive Traffic Management Plan (TMP) and a Construction Traffic Impact Assessment (CTIA) will be part of our approvals process. 

These plans, prepared by qualified consultants, will provide an evidence-based strategy for traffic flow during both construction and operation.  Our approach will include:

• Detailed impact assessments on motorists, pedestrians, and cyclists to ensure ongoing safety. 

• Management of construction vehicles with specified routes and timings to minimise disruption. 

• Subterranean parking wherever feasible to keep car parks out of sight and preserve green spaces. 

• Clear detour and closure plans for construction to ensure traffic continues to flow smoothly. 

No.  The Blue Gum High Forest is a protected and valued part of the neighbourhood and will not be developed.  All works will be carefully planned to avoid impacts on this important ecological asset.  The forest will be preserved and enhanced as a natural feature of the precinct, and specialist ecologists are advising the project team to ensure its protection

As part of the long‑term vision for the Hornsby Cathedral Precinct, the project team is carefully considering the future of the existing buildings.

While these facilities have served the community faithfully, they are no longer able to fully support the needs of a growing and diverse Diocese. Creating purpose‑built facilities and spaces – including a new Cathedral, clergy residences, Diocesan and Parish offices, Parish Hall, a Pastoral Centre and CatholicCare services – would allow us to honour the legacy of what has come before while providing modern, accessible and sustainable structures for generations to come.

This approach would also enable the Precinct to embrace energy‑efficient systems, improved accessibility, and welcoming public domain spaces that cannot be achieved within the current setting. We are committed to managing this process with care and respect, in full compliance with all regulations, and will continue to communicate openly with the community as planning progresses.