Christchurch Cathedral is to be deconsecrated and partially demolished after being badly damaged in the city’s deadly earthquake.
How much, if any, of the 130-year-old gothic Anglican cathedral can be permanently saved remains to be decided by safety experts after the demolition crews move in.
Situated in the heart of the still-cordoned off city centre, the ruined structure is classed as a danger risk in the event of another big aftershock.
Deconsecration, which will take place at a service on November 9, means the site will revert from the sacred to the secular.
The cathedral, designed by the Victorian architect George Gilbert Scott and modelled on Christ Church in Oxford, is the city’s best-known landmark and a favourite with tourists.
Announcing the move, the bishop, the Rt Rev Victoria Matthews, said controlled demolition would allow precious artefacts and heritage items to be retrieved and stored for future use.
“This has been a difficult decision for all involved, as no one loves the cathedral as much as we do.
“However, this is the next step towards a decision about the future of the cathedral, which will combine the old and the new,” Bishop Matthews said.
“The decision follows a challenging and complex assessment process, including review and input by a range of involved and interested persons to identify options and risks, along with consideration of expert analysis and technical reports.”
February’s magnitude 6.3 quake and a strong aftershock in June brought down most of the bell tower and destroyed the much-loved rose window in the west front.
Church and government authorities are considering several options for rebuilding the cathedral, but the location will depend on the result of geotechnical surveys into the safety of the land beneath.
Plans for a temporary 700-seat cathedral constructed from large cardboard tubes in the shape of an A-frame, designed by the Japanese architect Shigeru Ban, are under active consideration.
The cost of the demolition work is put at NZ$4 million (£2 million) and at least another NZ$30 million (£15 million) will be needed for a new permanent cathedral.
February’s earthquake killed 182 people, destroyed much of the the city centre, and severely damaged thousands of homes.