A symbol of hope

Christ Church Cathedral

How do you reinstate a building to its original condition without the original plans? How do you physically stabilise a structure without entering it? Following the devastating Canterbury earthquakes in 2011, the much-loved Christ Church Cathedral saw significant damage. Its reinstatement is one of the most architecturally demanding projects in New Zealand's history.
It is a wonderful piece of design work that is distinctly Kiwi. The new modern buildings serve as a link to the contemporary buildings around the outside of the Square and are complementary to the Cathedral. It offers a vibrant, attractive, functioning Cathedral Quarter that we are convinced will stimulate social, economic and tourism activity in Cathedral Square and the wider central city.
Justin Murray - Christ Church Cathedral Reinstatement Limited (CCRL) Chair 
Original drawing of the West entrance porch from 1864
One of the limestone mullions on the South transept gable being prepared for removal  
Basalt reclaimed from the Cathedral will be used as the external facing on the new vestries and for the walling of the new courtyard and visitor centre. 
The structure was deemed safe for human entry after two years of reinstatement works
This is one of the most complex and arguably most important projects in the city’s history. Collaborative governance, which involved detailed scrutiny by executive teams, as well as meticulous planning and coordination between all parties was crucial in making this complex project a success.
Justin Murray - Christ Church Cathedral Reinstatement Limited (CCRL) Chair 

Collective Effort

Collective Effort

Peter Marshall
Consulting Principal
Christchurch
Nicholas McEntyre
Associate
Christchurch
Bill Gregory
Principal
Christchurch
Brad Sara
Principal
Christchurch
Sebastien Gapinski
Associate Principal
Melbourne
Michael Smith
Associate
Christchurch