Church still to decide on cathedral report

8:11 pm on 17 July 2012

The Anglican diocese of Christchurch says it could be a couple of weeks before it decides whether to act on a report outlining how ChristChurch Cathedral can be saved.

The engineers' report, released last week by the Great Christchurch Buildings Trust, concludes the church is safe for workers to restore, which contradicts the basis for its current demolition order.

The cathedral project group, which is part of the diocese, met last week to discuss what it is calling a brief report and says it is still completing a detailed review.

Operations manager Gavin Holley says the number one priority continues to be the safety of workers, future worshippers and the general public.

Earthquake Recovery Minister Gerry Brownlee says it is important the Anglican Church considers all possible options because, as the owner, it will ultimately decide the fate of the building.

Demolition work has stopped until the findings of the report are explored more fully.