Duratec, the engineering, construction, and remediation company, has reached the halfway point in the heritage restoration of the historic Christ Church Cathedral in Newcastle, delivering complex copper roofing and remediation works to protect and extend the life of the 124-year-old landmark.
Working in partnership with EJE Architecture, Newcastle Anglican and vetted specialist trades, Duratec is replacing aging roofing systems with custom-fabricated copper sheeting, gutters and flashings, installed using heritage-approved techniques. Duratec will install more than 17 tonnes of copper progressively across 28 roof sections.
Drawing on extensive heritage restoration experience, including projects such as Adelaide Town Hall and the National Carillon in Canberra, Duratec brings specialist capability in preserving and strengthening culturally significant structures while protecting their original fabric.
The works are being undertaken within a highly complex, live environment, with access enabled by a fully engineered scaffold system that surrounds the Cathedral’s 38-metre structure. Duratec’s approach ensures safe, stable access for multidisciplinary teams.
Specialist teams are delivering the project through a methodical, roof-by-roof process involving removal, inspection, targeted repair and replacement, keeping the cathedral waterproof during weather events. New Pro Clima waterproofing membranes are installed before copper sheets are shaped on-site and lifted into position using mechanical hoists, eliminating manual handling risks and enabling safe, controlled installation.
Heritage conservation principles underpin every stage of the project. Duratec is prioritising minimal intervention, retaining original materials where possible, and delivering like-for-like repairs using non-intrusive techniques. This includes the use of lime mortar for brick repointing and free-standing scaffold systems designed to protect the Cathedral’s structure.
In addition to roofing works, Duratec is delivering masonry restoration and internal conservation works, including the use of innovative BlueVac desalination technology. Further to this scope, Duratec will replace sandstone sections and carpets within the cathedral and will repair lead lights and wrot timber where identified.
MJ Van Der Vyver, Operations Manager at Duratec, commented: “Working on a landmark as significant as Christ Church Cathedral is a privilege.
“By collaborating with stakeholders, combining specialist heritage expertise and careful planning and delivery, we’re preserving the Cathedral’s original fabric while ensuring it remains resilient for decades to come. This project also highlights the sustainability benefits of restoring and extending the life of existing assets, reducing the need for replacement and lowering long-term environmental impact.”
Dr Peter Stuart, Anglican Bishop of Newcastle, said: “There’s an amazing project that’s going on with all sorts of experts in partnership to re-roof the Cathedral and to attend to some of the salt damage in the brick and in the mortar of the Cathedral.
“It’s our responsibility to keep it in good condition. It’s a building that serves the city. It’s a spiritual heart, it’s a cultural heart, and it’s an icon for the city. For many of us involved in the project, myself included, this is a once in a lifetime opportunity to be so closely involved with work on a building of this significance to our community.”
Barney Collins, Director of EJE Architecture, added: “This is the largest copper roofing project underway in Australia and a real showcase of craftsmanship, with architects, trades and Duratec all bringing their expertise together.
“Duratec has been proactive and collaborative from day one, giving us complete confidence in the delivery. There’s a genuine sense of pride across the entire team, which is critical on a project of this significance.
“Christ Church Cathedral is one of Newcastle’s most iconic buildings and has been part of the city’s fabric for over 200 years. By delivering a like-for-like restoration, this project will help ensure it remains a defining part of the community for at least another century.”
Works are scheduled for completion in early 2027, with the Cathedral remaining open throughout construction.
Read more here: Christ Church Cathedral Restoration: National Heritage delivered at a local level – Duratec Limited
