Cathedral statements by trust challenged

2:11 pm on 10 May 2013

The Anglican Church is challenging statements made by the Great Christchurch Buildings Trust, over cost estimates for restoration work to the cathedral in Christchurch.

The trust, which wants the quake-damaged building restored rather than a new cathedral built, said in late April that it had asked an experienced quantity surveyor to analyse cost estimates provided by the Church.

It said the church had massively overstated the cost for the restoration option.

Church spokesperson Reverend Jayson Rhodes said it now appears the quantity surveyor in fact disagrees with the trust.

He said the church is speaking with its lawyers about sending a letter seeking clarification from the trust.

But the trust says the church is trying to discredit it and distract from its offer to help pay for the work to be done.

Co-chair, Jim Anderton said its figures are based on those provided by the church, minus extravagant escalation costs related to restoration taking 22 years to complete. But, he said, that's a side issue.