The latest idea for the future of the ChristChurch Cathedral is to make it an "accessible ruin".
A cross shaped walkway would run through the badly damaged building for all to see inside
Walker Community Architects architect Emily Smith says "We'd like to see it as a preserved accessible ruin. Something that is historically significant and people can see it and go through it instead of it being boarded up by a massive fence like it is now."
A reflective pool around the exterior walls would act as a buffer for the public from the ruins.
The lead architect of the project Ashley Gillard-Allen says safety on the inside of the building is taken care of by the reinforced glass walkway.
"A bit like an aquarium, you're inside this protective element against the external forces around you."
Newshub showed the plans to passers by in the Cathedral and most were in favour of the idea.
"I think it would be great for everyone to see what it looks now as opposed to try and rebuild it to something that was before,"one person said. "I believe the concept of doing something like that would be fantastic. I think it would be really interesting," said another.
A spokesman for the Church says the new designs won't be put forward for consideration when the Synod votes on the building's future next month.
The Christchurch City Council has pledged ten million dollars for the reinstatement of the building - the Mayor says that's the only option that carries the Government's backing of funding.
Mayor Lianne Dalziel says "That's the thing people don't get about the Government's offer - it doesn't just come with money it comes with cross party support that will enable legislation that will allow the cathedral working groups recommendation of reinstatement to be implemented."
So as dramatic as they may be - the Mayor believes the latest plans for the Cathedral are unlikely to make it off the drawing board.
Newshub.
