It's been confirmed today that construction will be paused on quake-damaged Christ Church Cathedral.
The move was signalled earlier this month when the Government confirmed there’d be no further taxpayer money for the rebuild.
Chair of the Christ Church Cathedral Reinstatement Limited (CCRL) Mark Stewart said that without the additional support from Government, the funding pathway to completion has not been secured.
“It is with a heavy heart that construction will be paused until further funding is found,” Stewart said.
A board meeting was held yesterday, with the Christchurch City council briefed this morning.
Church officials say until further funding is found work has been stopped. (Source: 1News)
The project's a third of the way finished, with $82 million spent on it so far.
However there’s an $85 million funding shortfall.
Stewart said the site will be demobilised over the next three months.
“Our priority now is on protecting the Cathedral, making sure it is secure and weather protected.
“Having recognised the financial challenges, we need to continue to collaborate and engage with the original parties of the reinstatement. Those being the Anglican Church, Government, Council, and donors.”
He made it clear the board isn’t walking away from reinstatement and it hasn’t given up on securing a funding pathway.
“We have asked the Council to retain the $7 million they have collected via a targeted Cathedral reinstatement rate for our future use.”
The Anglican Bishop of Christchurch Peter Carrell said it was disappointing the Government wouldn’t be providing any additional funding but acknowledged there couldn’t have been a worse time to seek financial support.
“We know many New Zealanders are facing financial challenges at the moment and appreciate that Government has more immediate funding priorities.”
He said Anglican fundraising remains ongoing.
“...and we remain committed to fundraising towards the Cathedral’s reinstatement. We will also continue the search for international donors.”
By Katie Stevenson
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