Brownlee says rebuild the Catholic Basilica

Christchurch Catholic Basilica safe if Brownlee has his way

Minister of Earthquake recovery, Gerry Brownlee says he would like to see resources go into re-building the Christchurch Cathedral, the Catholic Basilica, the Provincial Chambers and the Arts Centre.

In a briefing yesterday afternoon, Mr Brownlee is reported to have said that if he had his way most of Christchurch’s heritage buildings would be bowled tomorrow.

The old buildings killed people when they toppled during the earthquake and they cannot remain.

Mr Brownlee has been accused of taking a hard line on Christchurch’s damaged buildings.

“While they are part of our past history, they have no place in our future history. As I’ve said repeatedly, heritage is both forward and back and from this point on, we decide what the heritage of this city will be,” he said.

Mr Brownlee later repeated his emphasis on the need to make Christchurch a safe city. “There is no desire to bring out the bulldozers and take Christchurch to the ground but there is a huge desire to see the city open up as much as possible and unsafe buildings removed as quickly as possible.”

Sources:
NZ Herald
Radio New Zealand

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News category: New Zealand.

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