The ABC brings word of extreme unhappiness in the Catholic Archdiocese of Canberra and Goulburn after their Braddon church of St Patricks was hit by a heritage listing which will stop it being knocked down and turned into lucrative apartments.
Archbishop Mark Coleridge says the move throws into doubt plans for a $36 million redevelopment of St Christopher’s Cathedral in Manuka.
He says the heritage listing could reduce returns on a land deal the Church is doing with the ACT Government on the Braddon property, and that would affect the cathedral expansion.
“If that decision stands it runs the risk of compromising the return, the return on that entire property, up to 30 per cent,” he said.
“If that is true then that is a serious blow to our plans at Manuka. We are concerned particularly with the centenary coming up to enhance the city, which God knows needs enhancement.”
When an Archbishop uses “God knows” it takes on a whole new meaning.
The church will be appealing the decision.
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