Rebuilding an icon Open heart surgery on Christchurch Cathedral

By Michaela Pointon

A project unique like no other, deep in history, logistics and effort. The Christchurch Cathedral reinstatement project is well on track to completion, making a significant mark in New Zealand history.

The iconic landmark is the heart of Cathedral Square and defined the name of the city. Project director, Keith Paterson, says “The city lost a lot in the earthquakes and one of our best heritage assets.

“We are essentially doing open heart surgery on the Cathedral. We have taken that in our stride. Our ethos is to reinstate and protect the original Cathedral in the way everyone can be proud of.”

He says the project is expected to be completed by 2027 and is currently progressing well, meeting milestones.

It has been broken into three different stages. The first stage is stabilisation and is currently approaching the end of this phase. The reinstatement will then move into the second phase of strengthening the remaining building, including new foundations and the construction of the West porch, vestries and tower.

The final phase of the $154.3M rebuild will be a Visitors Centre and Cathedral Centre. Keith says the Visitor Centre will include a cafe, public area, museum piece and retail section. Visitors will be able to observe artefacts and appreciate the importance of the historic building.

Despite the building receiving some funding from the Government and Christchurch City Council, the Christchurch Cathedral Reinstatement Project is still looking to find an extra $50M to complete the project.

“The Cathedral is privately owned meaning the Council, Government and Church funding falls short of around $50M. Most members of the public see the Cathedral as the iconic centre of the city and resonates with the city’s history.”

Applying modern construction management to heritage reinstatement has been a challenge the team has been willing to take on. The project has relied heavily on Naylor Love and their sub-contractors for detailed construction planning of merging old and new methods. Titan Cranes and Daveron Scaffolding have also been key sub-contractors.

“The main point of the job itself is to reinstate the building in a modern way but make it appear the same as before. It will have the safety and facilities of a new Cathedral plus the charm of heritage and history.”

Keith believes the project is already bringing life back into Christchurch city and Whiti-Reia Cathedral Square.

“Once the project is completed the recovery of Christchurch city and the meaning behind the city’s name will feel a little more ‘put together’.”

The project is planned to be completed in 2027, which Keith says is coming around sooner than expected.

After almost two decades of planning, development and reinstatement the Cathedral will once again become a South Island heart of community, iconic landmarks, history and empowerment.

To donate or find out more about the project, make sure to visit Christ Church Cathedral Reinstatement Project’s website. CT Christ Church Cathedral Reinstatement Project 021 345 769 information@ccrl.org.nz www.christchurchcathedral.org.nz

— Advertising Feature