$30M renovation for St. Peter's Seminary in London

A Catholic priest is shown in this undated file photo.

One of London's most historic buildings is set to undergo a $30-million renovation.

The 89-year-old St. Peter's Seminary building in north London will get a complete renovation thanks to a $23-million boost from the Diocese of Hamilton.

Hamilton's Bishop Douglas Crosby said in a statement, "The Diocese of Hamilton has benefitted greatly because of the service of our priests who have studied at St. Peter's and we are pleased to be supporting such an exciting initiative. St. Peter's Seminary is an iconic piece of our Canadian Catholic heritage."

The other $7 million for the project will come from the sale of land to nearby King's College, plus current and future fundraisers.

Plans for the Gothic-style building include upgrading the heating and cooling systemsand restoring the slate roof and stone exteriors.

In a statement, London's Bishop Ronald Fabbro, said, "I am grateful to Bishop Crosby and the Diocese of Hamilton for their generous contribution and confidence in St. Peter's Seminary. This support will enable us to modernize our facilities and, in partnership with King's University College, continue to be a leader of Catholic higher education in Canada, especially for the formation of priests, deacons and lay ministers."

St. Peter's is Canada's oldest English-speaking Roman Catholic seminary and has produced over 1,000 priests.