WORK on the restoration of the Cathedral of St Michael and St John can progress to the next stage now that the stonework of the church has been given new life.
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The team from Stone Restorations has completed the replacement of all the sandstone features and repointing of brick work on the western end of the cathedral.
As the signature sandstone pieces were severely damaged and weather worn, the damaged materials needed to be replaced.
Now, after 18 months of work, beautifully carved stonework is the result.
Father Paul Devitt said it was wonderful to see the transformation.
"I think it looks spectacular," he said.
"The great thing is that, what's underneath there, I know the foundations are solid even though they are covered up now."
There was work done to some of the base pieces of sandstone that were part of the foundation.
The next stage of the restoration process is the landscaping work, which also includes a new entry to the car park from William Street, the removal of the concrete and walls surrounding the building, and the creation of a disability access entry and bathroom facilities.
The mobile work site that currently sits between the cathedral and the Cathedral Parish Centre will be relocated to allow the next stages of the restoration to begin.
Fr Devitt said there will be disruption to churchgoers over the next six months, but people will still be able to attend church services.
"People will still be able to come to church, but the whole car park will be dug up," he said.
As a result, there will be a change of drop-off and pick-up point for school children and people can expect parking to be at a premium.
When the work on the car park is complete, the entry point will move to William Street, with exit from the car park only via Keppel Street.
Reaching this milestone of the restoration project coincides with the Catholic community of Bathurst celebrating 154 years since the dedication of the cathedral on June 29, 1865.
The Catholic Diocese of Bathurst said it is working together with the community to ensure that the life of this significantly historic building continues for at least another 150 years.
Members of the public are able to contribute to the restoration project by making donations.
This can be done easily online via the Catholic Diocese website.
