Heritage advocates in Christchurch are opposing plans to build a large bus stop in front of two of the city's few remaining heritage buildings.
The so-called super stop, which includes a large verandah, is part of a proposal to turn Manchester Street into a tree-lined boulevard giving buses priority over cars.
The Trinity Congregational Church. Photo: Wikicommons
The plan is among a suite of changes proposed for the central city, including new cycleways and a reduced speed limit for cars to make it more pedestrian friendly.
However, heritage advocates told a Christchurch City Council Committee today the super stop would obscure the Trinity Congregational Church and the relocated Shands Emporium, two of the city's oldest buildings.
The committee called for further advice from staff on moving the bus stop ahead of a final vote on the plan at a full meeting of the council next week.
Meanwhile, the Government has got involved in the dispute over what should happen to the Christ Church Cathedral.
The structure most closely associated with the city has been fenced off since the February 2011 earthquake, when the steeple toppled and the rest of building became too unsafe to enter.
The Great Christchurch Building Trust has been in ongoing court action to prevent the Anglican church carrying out its wish to demolish the remains of the church and replace it with a new cathedral.
Now the Government is providing an independent consultant to work with both parties and come up with a solution.
The church said in a statement the Government acknowledged the need for it to have a safe place to worship in while recognising the city's need for an identifying symbol.