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Finally, a huge void has been filled that has remained open in front of the Christ Church Cathedral for almost 10 years.
An 18-ton steel frame was gently put into position on the western facade of the Anglican cathedral on Thursday morning, closing a gap that was opened when the rose window was destroyed in the June 2011 replica.
The 13-meter-high steel frame has a banner printed on the front that reproduces the original Gothic façade lost in the earthquakes, complete with the stained glass windows and rose window.
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* Steel frames, pigeon droppings and organ removal in the stabilization of Christ Church Cathedral for $ 10 million
* The broken rose window of the cathedral, a giant puzzle for the Christchurch stonemason.
The cathedral’s restoration project director, Keith Paterson, said the steel frame will strengthen the historic building against earthquakes, make it weather resistant and keep out the pigeons that have made their home on the nave.
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The frame was put in place Thursday morning.
The steel frame would remain in place and would become a permanent part of the restored cathedral.
“It is part of the stabilization of the cathedral and has a purpose in reinstalling it later,” he said.
“It will stabilize the west end of the cathedral in the first case and then it will house the rose window.”
Paterson said putting the steel frame in place was a “historic moment” in the cathedral’s restoration.
CHRIS SKELTON / Things
The frame will protect the building from the elements, keep pigeons out and make it more resistant to earthquakes.
“It will look a lot better now. It will enhance the atmosphere of the square and make the place look well liked. “
The frame was secured to the cathedral by special mounts that are attached to parts of the building that were reinforced by the earthquake in the 1990s.
Paterson said it felt good to see the western facade sealed again.
“It is brilliant.
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The cathedral is being strengthened by an earthquake as part of a $ 154.3 million restoration project.
“It’s more than I could have expected. You have these ideas and the best thing is to see them come true and provide that benefit. ”
The earthquake-damaged cathedral is being fully restored at a cost of $ 154.3 million. Cost is based on an end date of early 2028.
Currently, the cathedral is being stabilized with large steel frames installed outside the building. This phase is fully funded, will cost around $ 11.8 million, and will take about two years.
