St Patrick's Cathedral and Presbytery

Restoring a Landmark

Working alongside lead contractor RCC Group, the restoration of St Patrick’s Cathedral and Presbytery—originally constructed in 1888 for just £2,086—was both a privilege and a major undertaking for the Andrew Plastering team. As works progressed, a number of structural and aesthetic challenges came to light, requiring precise coordination and craftsmanship.

One of the key discoveries was the misalignment of both internal and external brickwork, which had led to significant warping in rooms across the ground and first floors. Ceilings had to be carefully removed to allow for structural bracing, including the installation of steel diaphragms and plywood panels. Our team played a vital role in helping to rework and stabilise these areas, while also strengthening every timber ceiling board to meet seismic requirements.

We were also involved in reinstating key heritage features and finishes. This included the restoration of heritage plaster details and careful surface preparation around areas where chimneys had once supported now-unbraced walls. As part of a broader scope of improvements, dropped ceilings from the 1970s were removed, original spatial proportions were reclaimed, and heritage windows and glazing were returned to their pre-WWII state.

The project has brought the Presbytery to approximately 70% compliance with modern building standards—up from around 35%—while preserving its architectural integrity. Contributing our expertise to such a culturally and historically significant building was an honour. It's a project that not only enhanced a cherished Auckland icon but also became a case study for architectural students at Auckland University on the challenges and rewards of heritage upgrade work.