The earthquake damaged ChristChurch Cathedral. Photo / Supplied
The earthquake damaged ChristChurch Cathedral. Photo / Supplied
An announcement is to be made today on the future of the ChristChurch Cathedral, which is hoped will boost confidence for the city and encourage investment into the CBD.
The Anglican Diocese and Great Christchurch Buildings Trust have been locked in a stalemate over whether the church can be rebuiltafter it was badly damaged in the February 2011 earthquakes.
Image 1 of 10: British Royals 1954 visit to the Christchurch Cathedral Square.
A press conference has been called for 4.30pm, for an announcement on the cathedral's future, and whether it can be restored or rebuilt, with the release of the Government-commissioned Miriam Dean QC report.
It will be held in front of ChristChurch Cathedral in Cathedral Square.
The earthquake damage inside the ChristChurch Cathedral. Photo / Supplied
Statements are also expected from Church Property Trustees and Earthquake Minister Gerry Brownlee.
It follows years of debate and court action between the Great Christchurch Buildings Trust and the Anglican Diocese.
Canterbury Employers Chamber of Commerce CEO Peter Townsend said investors want to know what's going to happen so they can respond accordingly - and he says it could also influence what happens with the Convention Centre.
"It [the cathedral] is looking very desolate and they don't know what's going to happen with it.
"Of course we've got to resolve the whole issue of the convention centre as well, because they are juxtaposed in the square and we need resolution on both of those issues," he said.
An announcement is to be made today on the future of the cathedral. Photo / Supplied
The former dean of ChristChurch Cathedral said a decision has to be made.
Peter Beck said the cathedral has looked desolate for far too long, so whether the way forward is in restoration, or a full rebuild it doesn't matter so long as progress is made - and soon.
The transitional cathedral has done a great job in the meantime, but everyone's always looking towards Cathedral Square, he said - and he believes Christchurch can't heal until the cathedral is fixed.
The cathedral is the last box to tick in Christchurch's regeneration, Mr Beck said.
Former mayor of the city, Sir Bob Parker, said he hoped both sides in the debate will stick to today's announcement.
The Great Christchurch Buildings Trust and the church won't be bound by the report, but both have indicated they'll honour whatever comes out.
Sir Bob said today needs to mark the end of the battle.
At this point most Cantabrians believe a decision is more important than the actual outcome, he said.
Sir Bob hoped the decision would leave investors and developers free to work on Cathedral Square.
