St Mary’s Cathedral, Sydney

Project Overview

RJC Group was entrusted with delicate conservation works at St Mary’s Cathedral, one of Sydney’s most iconic heritage-listed buildings. The project involved highly detailed restoration works across significant stone and roof elements within a landmark religious precinct.

Conservation and repair of stonework to the East and West Clerestories and flying buttresses
Removal and reinstatement of copper downpipes using heritage-matched materials
Installation of lead weatherings to parapets, cornices and tiered horizontal roof surfaces
Removal of asbestos-containing pointing, elastomeric sealant and deteriorated stonework from joints
Cleaning, dressing and desalination of sandstone
Installation of stone indents for localised repairs
Mortar repairs and repointing of open and cracked joints

Delivering works within a fully operational cathedral with ongoing religious services and continuous public access
Access to elevated and architecturally complex areas requiring specialised methodologies and equipment
Safe removal of asbestos-containing materials within sensitive heritage fabric
Maintaining consistency with original stone profiles, finishes and detailing across all repaired and restored elements

Works were staged around service schedules, access constraints and the operational requirements of the cathedral precinct. RJC Group coordinated closely with the Catholic Archdiocese of Sydney and other site stakeholders to manage access, sequencing, safety, noise and dust control throughout delivery.

All restoration works were delivered using methods aligned with heritage conservation principles, with repaired and reinstated elements carefully matched to the original materials to maintain visual consistency and support long-term structural integrity.

Preserved intricate heritage detailing across key structural elements of the cathedral
All works delivered without interruption to religious services or public access throughout the precinct
Safe removal of hazardous materials and stabilisation of affected stonework
Long-term protection and structural integrity of the cathedral’s historic masonry
All works carried out in accordance with heritage conservation guidelines and the requirements of the Catholic Archdiocese of Sydney

Scope of Works

Conservation and repair of stonework to the East and West Clerestories and flying buttresses
Removal and reinstatement of copper downpipes using heritage-matched materials
Installation of lead weatherings to parapets, cornices and tiered horizontal roof surfaces
Removal of asbestos-containing pointing, elastomeric sealant and deteriorated stonework from joints
Cleaning, dressing and desalination of sandstone
Installation of stone indents for localised repairs
Mortar repairs and repointing of open and cracked joints

Project Considerations

Delivering works within a fully operational cathedral with ongoing religious services and continuous public access
Access to elevated and architecturally complex areas requiring specialised methodologies and equipment
Safe removal of asbestos-containing materials within sensitive heritage fabric
Maintaining consistency with original stone profiles, finishes and detailing across all repaired and restored elements

Delivery & Approach

Works were staged around service schedules, access constraints and the operational requirements of the cathedral precinct. RJC Group coordinated closely with the Catholic Archdiocese of Sydney and other site stakeholders to manage access, sequencing, safety, noise and dust control throughout delivery.

All restoration works were delivered using methods aligned with heritage conservation principles, with repaired and reinstated elements carefully matched to the original materials to maintain visual consistency and support long-term structural integrity.

Key Outcomes

Preserved intricate heritage detailing across key structural elements of the cathedral
All works delivered without interruption to religious services or public access throughout the precinct
Safe removal of hazardous materials and stabilisation of affected stonework
Long-term protection and structural integrity of the cathedral’s historic masonry
All works carried out in accordance with heritage conservation guidelines and the requirements of the Catholic Archdiocese of Sydney