A $400,000 restoration project is underway to give Christchurch’s Chalice sculpture its first full makeover since it was installed in Cathedral Square in 2001.

The 18-metre artwork, designed by sculptor Neil Dawson to mark the Millennium and the 150th anniversary of Canterbury, is receiving a complete repaint and repairs to areas of corrosion.

Director Botanic Gardens and Garden Parks Wolfgang Bopp said work began this week.

“The restoration involves a repaint of the artwork, including the aluminium leaves and the hexagonal steel cone structure they sit on,” Bopp said.

The aluminium leaves are being removed and taken to contractor Hendriks Son and Daughter Ltd for restoration and painting. A scaffold is being put up around the steel frame, which will be wrapped to control dust and protect the work from the weather.

Lighting around the sculpture is also being upgraded to LEDs as part of Christchurch City Council’s energy-efficiency push.

Dawson said he was pleased the Chalice had stood strong for nearly 25 years and continued to be a positive symbol for the city.

“I’m pleased that it is having a repaint and spruce up. It has required minimal maintenance and upkeep in its first quarter century – this will ensure the same for the next,” he said.

The project is expected to be finished by July 2025.