The dome of the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament in Barbados St has to be removed because it threatens the rest of the building.

Engineers told the Roman  Catholic Bishop of Christchurch, Barry Jones, and diocesan staff today that the dome would topple in a repeat of last Tuesday's earthquake. 

An exterior inspection reveals that the dome is forcing outwards the weight-bearing structures.

This means the building is so dangerous that it can't be entered under any circumstances..

The dome will be removed by huge cranes situated some distance from the basilica.

The two front towers have already collapsed, taking with them several stained-glass windows.

No decisions will be made about the future of the overall building until a detailed engineering report is completed.

This will be done after the dome is removed – an operation that may take months.

In 2000 the basilica was one of 10 buildings chosen to represent New Zealand architecture in a 10-volume series on architecture in the 20th century.

Four priests who lived at the cathedral were forced to move out after the September quake and masses were being held at the nearby Catholic Cathedral College assembly hall.

Bishop Jones said it was not yet known where future services would be held.

Meanwhile, Bishop Victoria Matthews has deconsecrated the chapel at St Margaret's College, in readiness for its demolition.

The chapel was destabilized by the September 4 quake, but the February 22 jolt damaged it beyond repair.