Council supports Christchurch Cathedral 125th Anniversary Campaign
2 November 2007
The Christchurch City Council has recognised the value of Christchurch Cathedral through its support of recent upgrade projects.
A celebratory service will be held at the Christchurch Cathedral this Sunday to mark the completion of the 125th Anniversary Refurbishment Campaign.
The campaign raised $3.7 million from various benefactors, including a grant of more than $1 million from the Christchurch City Council, to carry out significant upgrades throughout the Cathedral. The work included a new slate roof, masonry upgrades, electrical rewiring and repairs to stained glass windows.
Dean Peter Beck says the Chapter is delighted with the work carried out, and the support of the Council, Community Trust and other sponsors.
“You can say the icon of the city is looking in pretty good shape,” he says.
Christchurch Mayor Bob Parker says Christchurch Cathedral is the heart of our city.
He says the Council has recognised its place and value to Christchurch by allocating significant funding to its upgrade.
The Christchurch City Council committed $1.08 million to the Christchurch Cathedral for capital work in March this year. The grant, funded through the Emergency Capital Fund, allowed electrical upgrades to be carried out at the cathedral as part of the 125th Anniversary Campaign. The upgrade included the fitting of a new fire alarm and security system and the refitting of old electrics, including replacing lights and upgrading the sound and heating systems.
The Council has previously supported upgrade programmes at the Cathedral, including the awarding of a $1 million grant over a five year period between 1999 and 2003 for seismic strengthening works. Council staff have worked closely with the Cathedral to advise on the building’s conservation, and will continue to do so.
A special service to celebrate the Cathedral Dedication Festival, led by former Governor General Sir Paul Reeves will be held at 10am on Sunday, 4 November. The date marks the 126th birthday of the Cathedral.
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