Recent engineering and geotechnical reports are showing "positive" signs for the future of Christchurch's quake-damaged Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament, Catholic officials claim.
The 1889 building was badly damaged in the February 2011 quake and has been sitting empty for five years. The Catholic Diocese is due to make a decision on its future in September.
Property and Development Manager Keith Beal says the church's attempts to 'save the nave' are making progress with their proposed repair techniques being ratified. A budget cap of $45 million has already been set for the project.
"Fundraising is the challenge we now face and our attention is fully focused on ensuring that we are able to achieve the first steps in rebuilding the cathedral by 'saving the nave' inside this budget," Mr Beal says.
"Once the investigations into the costs of are complete, only then will we be making a statement on the future of the cathedral. As indicated earlier, that is still expected to be in September."
The church is yet to reveal the detail of the engineering and geotechnical reports.
Newshub.
