The Cathedral - a last look

The 131 year old Christchurch Cathedral is saying farewell. Despite the cranes, there was some dignity, with the morning sun shining behind it this morning.

It's the last weekend Cantabrians can view it before deconstruction starts.

The Anglican Church cannot afford the $100 million (on top of the insurance payout) to reconstruct it. So it will be deconstructed to a level of 2-3 metres, while a decision is made on a replacement building. Deconstruction should be complete by the end of the year. The Bishop has stated that it will be deconstructed with care, "protecting the treasures within its walls".

So a new city centre begins.....