Cathedral: Restore or replace?

As National, Labour and Green MPs meet to discuss breaking deadlock over the Christ Church Cathedral, we asked the public what should happen to the building and if authorities should intervene.

Gary Reid, Spreydon

‘‘I believe the Government should have intervened quite a long time ago. It’s an eyesore for the city.

‘‘I’d love to see the site in greenery."

Valerie Davis, Burwood

‘‘It would be wonderful if it was restored because it’s a bit of history for Christchurch. ‘‘[I think authorities should intervene.] It’s part of our country and we want to see our money going to good use, especially something that is so important to us.’’

Caroline Knight, Fendalton

‘‘I absolutely think it should be restored. "I think both the council and the Government should be involved."

Erica Sainty, Springston

"I do love the [original] cathedral building and . . . it would be awesome if it could be rebuilt. "It is a really iconic building in Christchurch and . . . it should be funded by the Government.’’

Rachael Vine, Merivale

"It’s a real eyesore so it needs to be pulled down and restarted. ‘‘I think it’s got to the stage where [the authorities] need to be involved. The church seems to be taking too long on this issue.’’

Richard Beddie, Riccarton

‘‘It should be redeveloped. Perhaps keep the old facade, but build a new cathedral. ‘‘[Authorities should intervene]; Taxpayers’ money has gone into the cathedral in the past so it is . . . owned by the people.’’

David Dodds, Linwood

‘‘[They should] save what they can and start again. ‘‘I think the Government is going to have to get involved because there’s nothing going on with it at the moment.’’

Neil McNulty, Sydenham

‘‘I think it belongs with the Anglican Church to sort out what they want to do and I think people need to respect their decision. ‘‘It is a good opportunity to make a modern cathedral that actually makes a statement about the new modern city.’’

Jo Ellis, Halswell

‘‘Yes, I do [think authorities should become involved] if the church doesn’t come up to play with what’s needed. ‘‘I would like to see a reconstructed cathedral based on what’s there.’’

Kenneth Healy, Merivale

‘‘[Authorities should] definitely not [become involved]. ‘‘[The cathedral] should be bulldozed immediately . . . and a new cathedral built as a symbol of the new beginning of Christchurch.’’

Sue Bramwell, Merivale

‘‘No, I don’t [think authorities should intervene]. ‘‘The Anglicans should decide and should decide very soon.’’

Caroline Vennell, Merivale

‘‘Absolutely [authorities should become involved]. I think a decision is needed right now, it’s all gone on for too long. ‘‘I think the site should absolutely be restored . . . It’s just so important.’’

Edward Benton, central city

‘‘Yeah, I think they [authorities] should [intervene]. It’s taken too long to sort it out. ‘‘I think it should be made a little bit safer and turned into a monument to the city like you would with the Roman Citadels.’’