Renovation work at St Mary's Cathedral, Sandakan

Laying of bricks at the edge of both wings

Sandakan : The Cathedral Parish Property Management and Maintenance Committee (PPMMC) led by Peter Thien has started renovation work to St Mary’s Cathedral since the 25th January 2010.

The Cathedral building which is 50 years old will be undergoing some renovation and upgrading work spreading over three phases. The purpose of which is to increase the sitting capacity and to create a conducive environment to meet the need of the growing Catholic population.

Grille removed and to be fixed at the edge of the wing

The first phase of the said renovation work is to relocate the current grille to the edge of the wings and to raise the floor level of the wings to that of the inside of the Cathedral so that parishioners may feel as ‘ONE’ during worship. First phase is to be completed before Chinese New Year.

The second phase is to level the open area on the right side of the Cathedral at the baptismal font and to surface it with colored interlocking tiles. Work on second phase will only commence after Chinese New Year.

The third and final stage will be extending the frontage of the Cathedral. This will increase its floor area. The extension will also provide enough covered space for ‘drop off and pick up’ during wet season.

Peter Thien, the Chairman of PPMMC said, ‘The renovation work will also include a ram at the left wing for the disabled’. He added that ‘The renovation work, once completed, may be able to create a more welcoming, comfortable and friendly environment’.

Fixing of grille

Photo and Article by Airene Gumanas