The Cathedral dome that once stood proud on the city’s Catholic Cathedral in Christchurch has been saved.
Contractors are currently deconstructing the top half of the severely damaged cathedral and have completed the removal of the copper dome.
Catholic Cathedral spokesman Lance Ryan says they’re pleased with the way the stripping of the copper and wooden beams has gone so far.
“Contractors have assured us that at this stage the dome will be saved intact and will possibly be able to be rebuilt in its current form,” he says.
Mr Ryan says a new plan for the deconstruction of the bottom half of the Cathedral has been submitted to the Christchurch City Council.
The Diocesan earthquake recovery group continues to meet weekly. This group is made up of Diocesan Personnel, Opus International Consultant representatives, the Diocesan Insurance Broker, Diocesan Insurer and Loss Adjustor.
Regarding the earthquake on Monday June 13th, the feedback from engineers is that generally there has been incremental damage to buildings that previously experienced damage. Generally no further significant damage has been reported.
- Nazareth House has sustained more damage from the recent earthquakes
- The Church at Little River has sustained a little more damage and some propping is taking place
- The Sumner and Lyttleton churches have suffered further damage
- St Albans Church is now closed as it has a yellow sticker. The parish is using the church at St Matthew’s, Bryndwr.
The St Mary’s school has returned to its site on Manchester Street (the school was sharing facilities at St Teresa’s, Riccarton). There are no other changes to schools at this stage.
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