We need your help

The Christchurch City Council is deciding how to prioritise funding for restoring iconic buildings, and feedback from the community will shape that decision.

Christ Church Cathedral is undeniably a building of national significance, our centrepiece civic space. It is also an economic driver for the city which has almost completed it celebrated rebuild. 

Our adjusted plan restores the western façade of the Cathedral, including the rose window, its tower and nave, reviving the city's iconic landmark. The tower attracts tourists and generates revenue for the church to run that attraction. At the same time, the nave accommodates 700 seats.

The revised project is now half complete. We paused having identified the original scope was too big, so we have reshaped the project and, in doing so, halved the funding gap.

We will reopen Christ Church Cathedral as it was built – in stages. The accessible Cathedral means the hoardings to the west of the Cathedral can then be removed, returning Cathedral Square to locals and visitors.

An open and accessible Cathedral is essential to the rejuvenation of Cathedral Square. and it requires our community to speak up.

CCC Annual Plan - speak up for us!

Christchurch City Council’s draft Annual Plan 2026/27 seeks feedback on restoring the city’s four iconic buildings, including Christ Church Cathedral. 

We encourage you to read the proposal for yourselves.

There is a direct question to the community: should the Council invest in completing the restoration of Christ Church Cathedral, Canterbury Museum, Canterbury Provincial Chambers, and The Arts Centre?

The Council estimates a $290 million funding gap across all four heritage projects. They want to understand what priority the community places on completing them. This is a rare and important opportunity for the community to have their say on the Cathedral’s reinstatement.

​You can help reopen Christ Church Cathedral and return Cathedral Square to locals and visitors by submitting on the Council’s Annual Plan.

Submissions are open to individuals, interest groups and other organisations.

Have a few minutes to spare?  Speak up to reopen the Square.