St Patrick’s Basilica Renewed

Tented scaffolding has been erected around St Patrick’s Basilica in Macandrew Rd, Dunedin, as part of a $1.7 million preservation project.

St Patrick’s redevelopment committee chairman, Sean Toomey, says the current work involves earthquake-strengthening, removing the roof to fix leaks and install new damp-proof floors.

The work on the Basilica is part of a redevelopment programme to make the Saint Patrick’s site  the centre for the Dunedin South Pastoral Area.

There are three components to the redevelopment:

• Redevelop the old school buildings to become the centre for Catholic Social Services and to create a multi-purpose Community Centre which will include a children’s playground.

• Creating a park in the midst of an Industrial Area.

• Renovating the Basilica, which includes establishing a new entrance and a connection into the Mercy Chapel.

St Patrick’s Basilica was opened in 1894. It was designed by Mr F. W. Petre.The original plan included a central dome and a colonnaded porch, which were never completed because of the costs involved. St Patrick’s is in the classic style of a Roman basilica.

The building is constructed of brick which is now plastered, with concrete foundations.

Source Cath News www.cathnews.co.nz