Demolition of St Luke's in the City was in full swing yesterday.

The 1909 stone and brick Anglican church was among many historic buildings severely damaged in the February earthquake.

Situated on the corner of Kilmore and Manchester streets, it was designed by Cyril Mountfort, son of Benjamin Mountfort, who was supervising architect for the cathedral. He also designed St John's in Hororata.

St Luke's took 13 months to build at a cost of 9800 pounds.