We need your help

Christchurch City Council is seeking feedback on the 2026/2027 draft annual plan.  Question 4 seeks feedback on prioritising funding for restoring four iconic buildings including Christ Church Cathedral. 

You can help reopen Christ Church Cathedral and return Cathedral Square to locals and visitors by making a submission. We need you to speak up on our behalf!

Why the Cathedral is important

Christ Church Cathedral is undeniably a building of national significance, our centrepiece civic space. It is also an economic driver for Cathedral Square and the city which has almost completed its celebrated rebuild. 

Over the last 18 months we have welcomed over 12,000 visitors and with them their stories and memories. It has been a reminder of the part this building has played in the city's history and why it is important to bring it back for everyone.

Our plan

The Re:Opening plan announced in September 2025 restores the western façade of the Cathedral, including the rose window, its tower and the nave, reviving the city's iconic landmark. The tower will attract tourists and generate operation revenue for the church to run the Cathedral.  Once open it will operate at no cost to the city, a gift for all.

We have had feedback from Council that a plan to revitalise Cathedral Square is a priority and that an accessible Cathedral is an important part of that. 

Our plan costs $90-95m to complete. We are confident we have access $50m which includes further commitment from the church. We need to bridge the $40-45m funding gap (over four years) and continue to explore all sources of funding and appreciate any magnitude of contribution from the council's Iconic Buildings Fund initiative.

With the Cathedral open to all, we can remove the hoardings to the north south and west, returning Cathedral Square to locals and visitors. An open and accessible Cathedral will attract and invigorate business investment and help rejuvenate Cathedral Square. We need our community to speak up.

This is a rare and important opportunity for the community to have their say on the Cathedral’s reinstatement. We encourage you to read the proposal for yourselves. 

Have a few minutes to spare?  Speak up to reopen the Square.