The Government has refused to provide additional funding for the reinstatement of Christ Church Cathedral, putting the entire project at serious risk of being mothballed.

Mark Stewart, Chair of Christ Church Cathedral Reinstatement Limited said “today’s decision from the Government not to provide further funding towards the reinstatement of the Christ Church Cathedral is incredibly sad and disappointing.”

Stewart said the Board would need time to assess the implications of the Government’s decision.

“With the Government’s decision, the pathway to completion is much longer and mothballing is now likely.”

The Board plans to meet on 19 August to explore all available options and intends to make further announcements regarding the future of the reinstatement project in the following week.

The announcement follows the Christchurch City Council’s decision to release $7 million, collected from a targeted rate, towards the reinstatement.

However, Stewart indicated that the Board has requested the Council to pause this funding until a clear decision has been made on the project’s completion.

“This is a sad day for Christchurch. With the final anchor projects now being completed alongside significant private and civic investment, Christchurch is enjoying a wonderful renaissance as a modern and vibrant city.

“Completing the reinstatement of the city’s iconic Cathedral in the very heart of the city in Cathedral Square would be a very fitting capstone to this.”