All heritage churches in Christchurch dicocese can be saved

Friday, October 30th, 2015

The Christchurch Catholic diocese is confident it can save all of its earthquake-damaged heritage churches in Canterbury.

The Christchurch diocese has 13 heritage churches in Canterbury and Westland closed because of earthquake damage.

The diocese believed the churches in Rangiora and Pleasant Point were beyond repair, but after advice from international architectural expert James McCrery, it will investigate retaining large parts of both.

The Pleasant Point church is a heritage two building. The Rangiora church is protected under the district plan.

Keith Beal, property manager for the Christchurch diocese, said McCrery had painted a more positive future for the churches.

“In Rangiora, we are going to investigate further the condition of the church to see if the option of remodelling is viable. If so this could retain much of the existing heritage,” he said.

Issues at the Pleasant Point church arose from its bell tower, which was added after its construction without proper strengthening of the ground beneath.

The diocese would consider replacing the bell tower and keeping much of the church intact.

“The parish is seriously considering the option to incorporate significant parts of the existing church into a new design.”

Other non heritage churches are expected to reopen shortly.

St Anne’s Church in Woolston has opened again after it was closed in February 2011 due to earthquake issues.

The temporary works just completed focussed on strengthening of the rear wall, narthex and improving connections between the roof and main structure.

The original tower was removed after the earthquakes for safety and the area beneath has been made good with the placement of the cross where the tower previously stood.

St Peter’s, Beckenham which will open on the Feast of Christ the King, on November 21.

St Matthew’s, Bryndwr, could be open by early December.

A contract has just been let to replace two-thirds of the roof and add reinforcement around the walls to Our Lady of Assumption, Hoon Hay. It is expected to be open for Christmas.

Source