Basilica Enhancement Project
Stage One commenced
On Wednesday, 9 September 2026, Stage One of the Basilica Enhancement Project commenced at Our Lady of Victories Basilica, Camberwell.
The work will transform the narthex into a brighter and more welcoming space and will include the addition of a kitchenette to allow for hospitality after Mass and other events.
The construction work will have minimal impact on the normal liturgical celebrations and parish activities in the Basilica.
Stage One should be completed by the end of October.
Progress updates on the work can be found below…
Work inside and outside this week
Work continued around the Basilica this week, with concrete poured for the new pathway leading up to the accessible entrance and trenches backfilled as part of the external works.
Inside the Basilica, preparation commenced for the internal works, with the removal of the last two rows of pews, and the notice boards.
Entry to the Basilica is via the main front doors only, which requires visitors to be able to use steps. Visitors are asked to take extra care, use the hand rail, and follow any temporary signage. For those accessing the choir loft, please take care when walking through the entry and hold on to the handrail when using the staircase.
Accessible Entry update
The builders have boxed in the new pathway leading up to the accessible entrance and the area is ready for the concrete to be poured.
Work continues on the east and north side of the Basilica, with the installation of pipes and junction boxes.
At present, entry to the Basilica is via the main front doors only, which requires visitors to be able to use steps. Visitors are asked to take extra care, use the hand rail, and follow any temporary signage.
Pipework installation
The builders have spent the week installing the pipes and junction boxes in the trenches. These utilities will service the new kitchenette at the rear of the Basilica. Access around the Basilica continues to be limited while these works are underway.
Ground preparation continues outside the accessibility entrance. Work in this area is expected to continue for some time, and we are currently unable to confirm when the entrance will reopen to the public.
At present, entry to the Basilica is via the main front doors only, which requires visitors to be able to use steps. Visitors are asked to take extra care, use the hand rail, and follow any temporary signage.
Preparing ground for pipework installation
The builders are currently preparing the ground for the installation of pipework for the new kitchenette. As a result, access around the Basilica is limited while these works are underway. We ask all visitors to take extra care when visiting the Basilica and to follow any temporary signage and barriers.
Ground preparation also continues outside the accessibility entrance, with drainage installation undertaken this week. Work in this area is expected to continue for some time, and we are currently unable to confirm when the entrance will reopen to the public.
At present, entry to the Basilica is via the main front doors only, which requires visitors to be able to use steps. Visitors are asked to take extra care, and use the hand rail.
Utilities and Piety Stall
Work is now underway on the installation of utilities around the eastern end of the Basilica.
The cupboards from the former piety stall have been removed.
The concrete has been removed from outside the accessible entrance on the south side of the Basilica – it was twice as thick as expected – and the area is now being prepared for the next stage.
The accessible entrance on the south side of the Basilica remains closed.
Accessible Entry work commenced
The team arrived on site with a bobcat and commenced digging up the concrete pavement outside the accessible entrance on the south side of the Basilica.
This entrance is now closed and access to the Basilica is via the main front doors only.
Temporary Office
To support the building works, a temporary building has been delivered and installed on parish grounds on the northern lawn.
We ask parishioners and visitors to observe all safety signage and designated pathways when visiting the Basilica.