Anglican Church urged to restore Christ Church Cathedral ahead of pending vote

Christ Church Cathedral was badly damaged in the February 2011 earthquake. Photo / Supplied

Christchurch politicians have urged the Anglican Church to restore Christ Church Cathedral as the church's synod prepares to vote on the earthquake-crippled building's future tomorrow.

Regeneration Minister Nicky Wagner and Christchurch Mayor Lianne Dalziel both spoke to the 200-member synod today at St Christopher's Church in Avonhead as it discusses the cathedral's fate.

Dalziel says the Gothic-style 136-year-old landmark building is the heart and soul of the city and the council unanimously backs its reinstatement.

Wagner told the synod that Cabinet has already approved reinstatement legislation so it is the fastest way forward.

An offer of $35 million, along with legislation to fast-track the restoration, was made by the Government and Christchurch City Council in July.

Arguments over whether the building in the heart of Christchurch should be restored to its former glory, partly reinstated, or demolished and replaced with a modern new building have raged between the church, heritage campaigners, and the wider public over the past six-and-a-half years.

Head of the Canterbury Anglican Church Bishop Victoria Matthews last night said that the cathedral isn't this biggest concern for the church.

Matthews told the synod there are much greater concerns facing the church, including child poverty and climate change.

The group will debate the cathedral's future today and tomorrow before voting on either restoration, gifting the building to the Government, or demolition and replacing with a new cathedral will be held early tomorrow afternoon.