Work Update
In mid March 2008, scaffolding was erected to allow the first steps to be taken to secure the iconic bell tower.
The scaffolding enabled specialists to inspect the structural damage of the bell tower.
Engineers, BaseiGi Consulting, discovered the following in their inspection:
- brickwork has been cracked and displaced by the corrosion of steelwork embedded in it;
- the bell mounting has deteriorated through corrosion and timber degradation;
- reinforced concrete in the upper portion of the tower appears to be degrading due to the corrosion of reinforcement.
(Bill Jordan & Associates, St James’ Cathedral Townsville – Interim Conservation Management Plan, June 2008)
Base iGi worked with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and developed a Bell Tower Conservation Management Plan with support from specialists in masonry conservation (Bill Jordan of Newcastle) and bell restoration (Hervey Bagot of Adelaide).
The conservation work on the bell tower was completed in February 2009. The repairs to and cleaning of St James statue have also been completed. The remainder of the work including restoration of the roof, guttering and foundations will commence once further funding has been secured.
The Anglican Diocese of North Queensland has been successful in its application to the Queensland Government's "Living Building and Places" Heritage Grants for an updated Conservation Management Plan (CMP) of St James Cathedral and surrounding precinct. The Diocese expects to commission Riddel Architecture to conduct this work. Riddel architecture is a firm that specialises in heritage sensitive conservation work and will bring considerable expertise to this task. Work on the CMP is expected to commence in September 2009.
The Diocese sees the necessary updating of the CMP for St James Cathedral as fitting in well with the Cathedral Chapter efforts to develop a plan for the precinct. The Chapter sees the importance of having a site that works well in its entirety instead of just good buildings in isolation.
Updates on the status of the work will be posted on this site regularly however, if you would like further information please contact us.