Work to reinstate the ChristChurch Cathedral is expected to start by the end of July.
A joint venture between the Church Properties Trust (CPT) and the Government has been agreed nine months on from the Anglican Synod accepting the Government-brokered funding package to reinstate the iconic building.
Greater Christchurch Regeneration Minister Megan Woods revealed the future of the Cathedral on Friday morning, saying the agreement has been reached in principle.
"I am anticipating, thanks to the work the CPT has already done, that the site clearance and decontamination work will start by the end of July, subject to regulatory approvals."
The cathedral was destroyed in the February 2011 earthquake and will cost around $104 million to reinstate.
Christchurch-based Justin Murray has been appointed as the independent chair of the joint venture - Christchurch Cathedral Reinstatement Limited (CCRL).
Mr Murray is currently the executive chair of investment banking firm Murray & Co, which he founded in 2004.
He is also a director of Christchurch International Airport, where he chairs the property and commercial committee and previously was the deputy chair of the Christchurch Earthquake Appeal Trust Advisory Board.
Directors of the CCRL will now be appointed so final concept designs, budgets and time frames can be confirmed.
"The ultimate goal for all concerned is to return this important historical and cultural icon to the people of Canterbury and New Zealand," Ms Woods says.
"Like many Cantabrians, I look forward to one day seeing the Cathedral connected again to the square in a vibrant way, being able to function again for the worship and spiritual purposes of the church, as well as offer an attractive, safe and viable space for civic and other functions."
Dean of the transitional cathedral Lawrence Kimberley welcomed the news, saying a milestone had been reached.
Newshub.
