The oldest theatre in Christchurch may escape demolition if a 5000-signature petition presented to the Prime Minister is successful.
Heritage activists rallied in the city on Friday demanding the demolition of earthquake-damaged heritage buildings be halted within two weeks.
Odeon Theatre owner Dave Henderson says the Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Authority is taking the 130-year-old building for earthquake recovery purposes.
He says that under the Central City Recovery Plan the land on which the theatre stands has been designated as a car park.
Mr Henderson says he is hopeful the petition will create public awareness of the senseless demolition and put a stop to the plans.
