Christ Church Cathedral
This dominating landmark at the heart of the city was severely damaged in the 2011 earthquakes. Building of the original Gothic-style church started in 1864, 14 years after the arrival of the Canterbury Pilgrims, and was completed in 1904. There was much angst in Christchurch over its fate and whether restoration is a viable option. However, the Anglican Church has deconsecrated the site and the Government has stepped in to help negotiate plans to restore or rebuild the cathedral. Until then the Transitional (Cardboard) Cathedral is its replacement. Although fenced off as a worksite, the ongoing reinstatement of Christ Church Cathedral attracts a steady stream of onlookers day and night. The best place to view progress is through the safety fence opposite Godley Statue in Cathedral Square. Information boards there also outline the building's history and plans to rebuild it. The Christ Church Reinstatement Project is expected to cost NZ$250 million and be finished sometime before 2030.
