Christchurch Cathedral

Over the years, Christchurch Cathedral has endured a number of earthquakes. On 4th September 2010 an earthquake caused some damage, but the building was declared safe. Shortly after, the 6.3 magnitude earthquake caused significant damage to this and very many other buildings in the city. The spire was completely destroyed. Several months later during aftershocks, the gable end and rose window collapsed as well.
Demolition was actually started in 2012, and the remains of the tower were dismantled. Legal intervention halted the demolition and subsequently much legal wranglings have taken place. The result of all this is that the Cathedral is to be preserved and repaired. The steel frame that was erected in front of the building was finally removed earlier this year.

Although the Cathedral is still in a sorry state, there is much evidence of regeneration in the city. There are still vacant sites and condemned buildings, or those still awaiting repair or demolition, but there is a positive spirit that things will get better.