In the heart of Kensington sits a stunning new addition to the Epsom Road streetscape: the St Mary’s Coptic Orthodox Church expansion. Constructed in 2024, the project was quick to secure community approval and industry recognition in the form of a Commendation for Public Architecture by the Australian Institute of Architects. We sat down with UPco Senior Associate Anna Thang to reflect on a project spanning almost 10 years – and peek behind the fascinating world of planning for religious buildings. 

Thanks for chatting, Anna. What exactly WAS the St Mary’s project, in a nutshell?

In the mid-2010s, the St Mary’s congregation was growing – and the church needed to keep up by creating new spaces for gathering, learning, childcare and parking. After an unsuccessful planning application was lodged by another project team, UPco was able to secure an approval that retained the existing church building but replaced the others with contemporary (and beautiful!) additions.

The City of Melbourne’s Future Melbourne Committee saw the project’s value and issued a permit, despite firm objection from neighbouring residents.

And yet we’ve seen a recent write-up affirming that St Mary’s is ‘adored… by the entire Kensington community’! Does this surprise you?

Not really! I’d like to think the excellent design and community offering have won people over. The extension features an understated elegance, which you only fully appreciate when you turn the corner onto Epsom Road. The fact that it now has basement car parking also helps alleviate car parking concerns – which is always a big-ticket planning item.

I’m ALSO not surprised it has already snapped up an award. Working alongside Studio Bright was a highlight – the team works rigorously and creatively to connect the social and built fabric of communities.

You’ve had a lot of experience with planning for places of assembly (and your fascination extends overseas to the Church of Light in Osaka!). What’s behind this, do you think?

St Mary’s was one of my first – and through it, I discovered how much I enjoyed planning for spaces like these. I like how the process requires a targeted planning approach, thoughtfully crafted by understanding the needs and activities of a group.

I think it’s fascinating that all religions have different rites and philosophies, and that their places of worship are an expression of those. Not to mention many religious buildings are made to endure and be treasured – meaning they’re embedded in history and undeniably awe-inspiring. Some of the oldest surviving religious buildings date back around 2,000 years – and many are still being used!

Now that you’re leading our HQ in Australia’s City of Churches, are there any dream church projects you’d love to work on?

I’d love to be involved in a diversity of religious and community projects, such as mosques and temples. For me, at its heart, it’s all about planning for and delivering a space where people can gather and connect – no matter their persuasion.

Thanks for looking back on St Mary’s with us, Anna. We can’t wait to see all the people-centric spaces you plan for in the future!

Cover image © Copyright Rory Gardiner

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