Project Timeline
Earthquakes Damage Cathedral
Cathedral severely damaged by the Canterbury earthquakes, particularly in February 2011 when the tower and spire collapsed. On 13 June 2011 the west elevation was badly damaged causing the full collapse of the iconic rose window.
Cathedral Deconsecration
Cathedral deconsecrated to allow ‘make safe’ work to begin.
Windows Recovered
As safety access allowed, approximately 70 per cent of the stained-glass windows were removed and stored, with remaining windows protected where possible.
Tower Deconstructed
For safety reasons the tower was deconstructed under the supervision of engineers, a heritage professional and an archaeologist.
Cathedral Working Group Established
The Cathedral Working Group was established by the Government and Church Property Trustees to investigate and recommend a viable way forward, their report recommended reinstatement.
Endorsed by Synod
Synod endorses an agreed solution to enable as much of the Cathedral’s remaining historic and cultural significance as possible to be retained and reinstated.
Reinstatement Act
Christ Church Cathedral Reinstatement Act 2017 assented.
Financial Contributions
Christ Church Cathedral Reinstatement Trust established to receive the Government's financial contributions totalling $25m.
Joint Venture Agreement Signed
Joint Venture Agreement signed.
Royal Patron Confirmed
HRH The Prince of Wales confirmed as Royal Patron during his visit to Christ Church Cathedral.
Work Begins
Workers and the Cathedral site were blessed so the first physical work could begin.
Work Commences
Work commences at the cathedral with a site blessing.
Order in Council 2020 Enacted
Order in Council 2020 enacted.
Launch of Concept Design
Public launch of concept design and cost.
Consent Granted
Reinstatement Resource Consent granted.
Stabilisation
Stabilisation expected to be complete.
Project Completed
Entire project expected to be complete.
News & Events
Citizens' War Memorial Gifted to the City
Media Release
22 October 2021
The Citizens’ War Memorial has been gifted to the people of Christchurch and is set to be reinstated on public land in Cathedral Square next year.
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The Cathedral’s Masterful Mosaics
News
22 September 2021
On the interior face of the west wall of the Cathedral, below the rose window, sat seven mosaic panels, installed between 1882 and 1970. Only four panels remain in situ, three having fallen during the 2011 earthquakes.
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Update with Project Director Keith Paterson
Our PeopleVideos
22 September 2021
The Christ Church Cathedral Reinstatement Project is now more than halfway through the stabilisation phase. Project Director, Keith Paterson gives us an overview on what’s been happening onsite and what to look out for in coming months.
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The Stonemasons Protecting the Christ Church Cathedral’s Heritage
NewsOur People
22 September 2021
The Christ Church Cathedral is a Category 1 heritage building. We’re going to great lengths to protect its heritage fabric, including re-using the stone it was built in where possible.
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Q&A with CCRL Chair Justin Murray
Media ReleaseVideos
22 September 2021
Justin Murray is Chair of Christ Church Cathedral Reinstatement Ltd, a position he’s held for the last three years. In this video he talks about his involvement in the project, what drew him to it, what he thinks the biggest challenge is and the great progress being made.
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