New plans for reinstating Christ Church Cathedral in the Square went public today, as Christ Church Cathedral Reinstatement Ltd presented a new way to complete their remit that halves the upfront $85 to $95 million shortfall that halted the earlier project design. 

CCRL Director Mark Stewart says the reinstatement project has made significant progress since then. 

"It’s been a busy time. We've reviewed and costed a range of options to make the reinstatement achievable. The conclusion has been to undertake the work in stages. We have developed a plan that will see the first stage deliver a reopened Cathedral and the removal of hoardings from the Square to enable its revitalisation."

In the plan viewed first at Christchurch's Diocesan Synod and made public today, the Cathedral will be reinstated in the same way it was built back in 1881. The first stage will see the tower and nave areas completed, along with the western wall (including the Rose Window). This will create a Cathedral with seating for up to 700 people. 

The new plan has attracted endorsement from tangata whenua, as well as key leaders in business and community who have voiced their support in a new video, 'Re:Opening'.

"It is important for the city’s sake that we get this project moving," said Mark Stewart today. 

"Christchurch's central city is thriving and while its revitalisation is often lauded, the Cathedral is an obstacle to further progress. Until there is a resolution, the private sector will remain reluctant to unlock investment in the properties around the Square fully."

This new plan halves the funding shortfall to between $40 and $45 million. With construction work beginning next year, the Cathedral could be open by the end of 2030. 

Ben Bridge, whose company, Mainland Capital, along with Russell Property Group, is redeveloping the landmark Noah's Hotel believes Cathedral Square is the last piece of the puzzle in finishing the central city's rebuild.

"Providing certainty with respect to the Cathedral will give the investment community confidence to develop the area around it fully. It will unlock substantial private sector investment that will bring Cathedral Square to life – just as Riverside, Little High, The Crossing, The Terrace, and other developments have delivered." 

Dean of Christ Church, Very Rev Ben Truman says 'Re:Opening' has the full support of the Diocese of Christchurch, which has agreed to commit a further $20 million to the project with the sale of the Transitional Cathedral. 

"We want to make this happen. The Cathedral, with its tower and Square, was always the hub of our city as well as a major tourist attraction."

"It has a rich history and an even richer future – a reopened Christ Church Cathedral will be, as it was before, a place that welcomes everyone and hosts important events for the city." 

For now, Dean Ben says the Diocese is pleased to be looking forward to the  Cathedral and the Square once again being a place for "contemplation, arts, business, tamariki, visitors, community, rangatahi, performance, Ōtautahi and Aotearoa."

"We are so thankful for the significant work already achieved, and the support we’ve had in getting it to this point. We're excited with this plan to get the doors open, the bells ringing, and the Square alive again."