From the Parish House

Basilica Enhancement Project

In 2019, the Camberwell Parish community, as it was then, formed the Basilica Enhancement Committee to look at enhancing both the entrance and interior of the Basilica.  The Committee is chaired by Dan McOwan and members include Glen Mendis, Michael McCloskey, Albert Van Grieken, Kate Baines, Fr Sang Ho and more recently, Tony Mcllroy.

The Committee previously organised for the steps at the front of the Basilica to be repaired, and the pointing in the stonework above the Church entry to be replaced.  Primarily though, they have been concentrating on the interior of the Basilica, and for the past five years have been developing plans for an enlarged Narthex at the back of the Church (Phase 1) as well as interior lighting and painting (Phase 2) and the replacement and reorganisation of the concrete forecourt (Phase 3).

Seven years may seem a long time to plan these changes but the group has had a number of setbacks.  Nonetheless, about two years ago the Committee started working with church architect Arthur Andronis to enlarge and modernise the Narthex area at the back of the Church.  This space is critical for both entry to the Church, as well as for hospitality but has always been restricted in floor size.

The Phase 1 plans were approved by Archbishop Comensoli in April this year and are now about to go out for tender.  Following a successful tender process, implementation will occur in the period of September/October, and so there are a number of changes that you will see unfolding as the project proceeds.  The core outcomes are as follows:

• The area of the Narthex will be increased by about one third as the Narthex screen/inner doors are moved two pews distance into the Church.
• This area will have a new, consistent floor installed.
• A new kitchen will be installed where the piety stall had previously been.
• Glass will be put into the existing outer door panels to increase the natural light in the space.
• The current wrought iron doors will be re-arranged and new doors made for the kitchen side of the Narthex.  This will improve access to these spaces as well as make them more visible and more integrated visually with the rest of the Church.
• Railing and cosmetic changes to the stairway leading to the organ loft to increase safety.
• Underlit rails on the front steps to comply with disability regulations.
• Compliant disability access on the Presbytery side entry.

These changes have been organised to minimise the impact to parishioners so normal Masses will continue as the works take place.  We ask for your patience through the build but look forward to a greatly enhanced and modernised space as we upgrade one of Melbourne’s great churches and one of the many treasures of Our Lady of Pentecost Parish.

By Fr Sang Ho, Parish Priest and the Basilica Enhancement Committee