The Christchurch City Council has granted a critical resource consent which allows substantive reinstatement works on Christ Church Cathedral site to proceed.
While physical work on stabilising the Cathedral began in May this year, this consent allows for the repair and restoration of heritage fabric along with the replacement of the west porch, tower and vestries on the main Cathedral building.
It will also enable the superstructure of the main Cathedral building to be seismically strengthened supported by a new foundation system including base isolation.
Christ Church Cathedral Reinstatement Limited Project Director Keith Paterson says the granting of the consent is a major milestone.
“This means the reinstated Cathedral can be stronger and safer than ever before while retaining and future proofing the heritage features which have made this one of New Zealand’s most recognisable historic buildings.”
The reinstatement incorporates a new Visitors’ Centre to the north with the café, museum, retail and tower experience and the Cathedral Centre with a function room, amenities and administration offices to the south.
The site will be landscaped around the three significant trees that have graced the Square for more than 100 years.
“Having this consent granted now means we will be able to start some strengthening works as we stabilise the Cathedral – part of our drive to make the project as efficient as possible,” says Keith Paterson.
Dean of Christ Church Cathedral, Lawrence Kimberley says the granting of the consent tops off a great year of progress for the project.
“It means the Cathedral or Whare Karakia Nui is a step closer to reclaiming its spiritual significance in Christchurch. This is an early Christmas present that brings 2020 to a positive close. We know progress will continue at pace and can’t wait for the Cathedral, in all its glory, to grace the Square once again” says Dean Lawrence.
Mā ō tātou ringa, ka rewa anō te tuara o tō tātou whare karakia
With all of our hands the roof of our Cathedral will rise again
