A pedestrian bridge over the Hunter River links Lorn and the Maitland CBD in the latest artist’s impression of the Cathedral Precinct.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Discussed on and off in Maitland City Council circles for 10 years or more, the Cathedral Precinct architect has drawn the bridge into the latest set of plans.
But neither the diocese or council says it has money to build the bridge that would land near the Lorn beach.
The Cathedral Precinct is an evolution of Bishop Bill Wright’s plan for the dilapidated St John’s Cathedral that began when he was ordained in late 2011.
He’s put the focus back on Maitland, where the diocese started, but his faith in a bridge took time to develop.
“When I first moved here I was sceptical of the bridge, but it will enhance what we’re doing,” he said.
Worth $3.2 million, stage one has started with renovations to St John’s Cathedral, Bishop House and the old convent, which will have the capacity to accommodate bridal parties.
Earlier this year, the diocese partnered with council to prepare an application for Resources for Regions funding.
This would fund stage two of the precinct the diocese unveiled on Tuesday which includes a forecourt opposite the cathedral and a realignment of Cathedral Street where it meets High Street to remove the dog-leg.
Further, the plans show a cobblestone area and staircase onto the riverbank where it meets a pedestrian bridge.
Diocese business and community engagement manager Barry Urwin said stage two was dependent on Resources for Regions funds, but added that the bridge was not in the project’s scope.
He said the diocese hoped to land the money for the forecourt and car park.
“We’re waiting with bated breath,” Mr Urwin said.
“Stage two is an important piece in Maitland’s CBD revival. It sits between The Levee and the [Athol Dombrain Drive] hosing precinct.”
If the Cathedral Precinct is shortlisted in Resources for Regions funding, the diocese and council will lodge a full application.
The mayor of Maitland, Cr Peter Blackmore, said people shouldn’t get their hopes up about a pedestrian bridge.
“When you start to think and St Peters and Maitland Public School students [from Lorn] it helps with their access,” he said. “But let [the diocese] get stage two finished first.
“The council won’t be putting any money toward it at this stage.”