New Zealand / Canterbury

Talks over Christchurch's cathedral resume - Brownlee

18:36 pm on 17 February 2017

Discussions over the fate of the earthquake damaged Christ Church Cathedral have resumed, Gerry Brownlee says.

The Christ Church Cathedral has been abandoned for almost six years. Photo: 123rf.com

The cathedral has been derelict for almost six years since the February 2011 quake, with parties at an impasse on whether it should be demolished or restored.

The government set up a working group to look at options for restoration, but no deal has so far been reached.

In a statement today, the Minister supporting Greater Christchurch Regeneration, Gerry Brownlee, said discussions with the Church Property Trustees have resumed.

Mr Brownlee said he understood the church would consider an offer from the Crown next week.

He said the government had made significant efforts to try to help the trustees come to a positive position and he hoped that would be achieved as soon as possible.

Mr Brownlee acknowledged the frustration many Cantabrians felt.

Bishop Victoria Matthews said there was no binding offer on the table from the government and there was no meeting scheduled next week.