Repair of the Blessed Sacrament Cathedral now put at $100 million
“We are really looking at three options – whether to demolish the existing building, to retain what we can of the basilica and rebuild to its former glory, or, in the short-term, whether or not to mothball the building until we have a clearer picture,” said cathedral management board chairman Lance Ryan.
Early indications were that the costs of retaining and rebuilding the basilica were in the vicinity of $100m. The nave was the only part of the existing building that could be retained, but it would still need extensive reinforcing to bring it up to the required standard.
With insurance negotiations still on-going, the diocese is stil in the early stages of preparing a strategic plan on the number and location of churches to be built in the future. This will later be presented to Bishop Barry Jones for consideration.
Ryan said that the cathedral management board is in full support of the plan as it was essential that all churches in the diocese are considered and not just the Cathedral.
“The planning group needs to consult with a wide range of people throughout the diocese while also looking at the changes that have occurred to the city’s population demographics.
“All these factors, as well as establishing the status of all insurance claims, need to be known before a comprehensive report can be completed.”
