MEDIA STATEMENT
Embargoed until 5.00am Thursday 1st November 2007
Iconic Cathedral for Bunbury
Plans for Bunbury’s new Catholic Cathedral have been released by The Roman Catholic
Bishop of Bunbury, the Most Reverend Gerard J Holohan. The new Cathedral forms part of
the rebuilding of the Cathedral precinct which was extensively damaged by a tornado that
ripped through Bunbury on 16th May 2005.
Releasing the plans, Bishop Holohan said the design is a reflection of extensive community
wide consultation undertaken following the demolition of the former St Patrick’s Cathedral.
“The overwhelming community call was for an iconic Cathedral centred on the same axis as
Victoria St, Bunbury’s main thoroughfare, with a traditional exterior and modern interior. The
design reflects the wishes of the community and will be a fitting replacement for the former
St Patrick’s Cathedral” Bishop Holohan said.
“I am very pleased to be able to say that the new Bunbury Catholic Cathedral design
reflects faithfully the wishes of the general community of the South West, and of the Catholic
community” said Bishop Holohan when releasing artist’s impressions and the model of the
Cathedral for public comment.
“The general call was for a building with a traditional exterior and a modern interior. The
Architect, Mr Marcus Collins, has designed a simple but beautiful building with very simple
materials” the Bishop said.
In May 2005, a tornado destroyed or damaged the buildings that form part of the Cathedral
precinct. The old Cathedral and two other buildings had to be demolished; the historic Parish
House building can be renovated.
The Bishop said: “The tornado caused us a tremendous problem in knocking out the whole
precinct. Now we have to rebuild and restore.”
Unlike the rest of the precinct, the old Cathedral was a great Bunbury icon. Because the new
Cathedral will affect the landscape of the City, the Bishop invited the whole community to
have input into the new Cathedral design. Hundreds of people responded to this invitation.
“The Church has to be a good citizen, and to contribute to the quality of life in Bunbury. It
has to be a good neighbour. Therefore, it could not go ahead on its own with this building
without seeking and respecting also the community’s wishes” he said.
“Cathedrals are built to last centuries. Probably no other building in Bunbury will remain
when the new Cathedral is still standing.”
“The new Cathedral will give future generations some appreciation of our Bunbury
community today. I am confident that we are giving future generations something they can
be proud of.”
“It will be an inspiring landmark and include a prominent and welcoming entrance, a bell
tower and glass spire, which will be illuminated at night” said Bishop Holohan.
“‘Its prominence will give the Cathedral a graceful presence overlooking the greater Bunbury
region” he said.
Commenting on the design by award winning architect Marcus Collins, Bishop Holohan said
“It is a spectacular piece of architecture that will be recognised, appreciated and respected
by the whole community.”
“Marcus has extensively researched cathedrals and church architecture from around the
globe. This is the culmination of almost two years of painstaking research and thoughtful
planning” Bishop Holohan said.
“He has designed a Cathedral that will assert fortitude and permanence, reminding everyone
who looks toward it that faith remains ever hopeful, especially in testing times” he said.
“Like most magnificent Cathedrals it will be a tourist attraction, a monument to the spirit of
Bunbury and a beacon of spiritual guidance for millions of people during its 300 year plus
life.”
The model of the Cathedral is on display for public comment in the foyer of the City of
Bunbury Administration Centre 4 Stephen St Bunbury.
For further information contact Bishop Holohan on (08) 9721 0500