9 Jul 2014

Christchurch Town Hall rebuild on hold

3:34 pm on 9 July 2014

The Christchurch City Council has put a hold on plans to rebuild its quake-damaged Town Hall because of uncertainty over the council's finances.

The council was to have started seeking expressions of interest from companies wanting to be involved in the $127 million rebuild project in May but that has been delayed.

Council finance committee chair Raf Manji said the council was waiting to clarify its insurance position before proceeding.

"There's no change at the moment. Until we review the information we get back from the insurers, everything is proceeding as normal.

"But certainly, in the overall cost of the project, that's something that we will have a look at."

Mr Manji said funding for the Town Hall could be reviewed as the council, which is facing a $534 million shortfall, looked at ways to find savings.

Exterior damage to the Christchurch town hall from the earthquakes.

Exterior damage to the Christchurch town hall from the earthquakes. Photo: RNZ