From coastal parishes such as Avalon to Sydney’s north shore, a proposed cathedral precinct in Waitara is drawing together communities across the Diocese of Broken Bay, marking a rare development described as the first of its kind in more than a century.
From Coast To Centre
Avalon, set along the Northern Beaches, sits within a network of parishes that stretch across the Diocese of Broken Bay. That network now converges on Waitara, where plans announced in April 2026 outline a 7.7-hectare cathedral precinct intended to serve communities across the region.
The proposal has been described as the first Roman Catholic cathedral precinct in Australia to be masterplanned from inception in over 100 years, placing the project within a rare historical frame while connecting distant communities through a single site.
A Shared Diocese Across Distance
The Diocese of Broken Bay spans the North Shore, Northern Beaches and Central Coast, supporting around 250,000 Catholics across 26 parishes. Within this structure, Avalon forms part of a coastal grouping that links back to the broader diocesan framework.
The Waitara precinct is designed to operate within this structure, not as a local project but as a central point where diocesan life comes together. For communities like Avalon, its relevance is defined by that shared framework rather than geography.
A Precinct Shaped For More Than Worship
At the centre of the proposal is a cathedral, but the broader precinct extends well beyond a single building. Plans include education facilities, community services, a parish hall, a pastoral centre, diocesan offices and residences for clergy.
Public-facing features such as a forecourt, café and bookshop are also part of the design, introducing everyday use into the space and reinforcing its role as a multi-purpose environment.
Design Reflecting The Landscape
The architectural concept draws on the natural environment, with references to the Hawkesbury River informing the design. Timber framing and sandstone elements are proposed to reflect surrounding landscapes of forest and rock.
An existing blue gum forest within the site is planned to be retained, alongside rooftop gardens aimed at supporting biodiversity and integrating the development into its setting.
A Long-Term Project Still In Motion
The Waitara proposal is expected to proceed through planning approval, with construction timing dependent on regulatory processes and funding raised through church-led initiatives and dedicated appeals. The project is set to evolve over several years as these stages progress.
From Avalon’s coastline to Waitara’s proposed precinct, the connection remains grounded in the Diocese of Broken Bay, linking local parish communities to a central development still taking shape.
Published 20-Apr-2026
