Media release

8 September, 2011

Christchurch Cathedral to remain as heart of Anglican Diocese

The Anglican Diocese of Christchurch is pleased to announce the appointment of Warren and Mahoney (architects) and RCP (project managers) to advise the Diocese in developing the process and actions in responding to the earthquakes. Warren and Mahoney and RCP have been appointed by the Anglican Church Property Trustees to assist the Bishop and Diocese.

A programme of consulting widely and openly across the Diocese will form an initial step in a process of forming Design Guidelines. Consultation workshops will be held in several locations in September, with an open invitation being extended this weekend to church congregations and the wider community.

Over 40 churches and church buildings have been destroyed or damaged, including churches such as Glenmark and Mt Peel, along with several city churches.

Although devastated in the earthquake of February 22nd, the objective is for Christchurch Cathedral to be re-established as the heart of the Diocese, and of Christchurch and Canterbury.

It is anticipated that themes such as designing for environmental sustainability, flexibility, and supporting a wide set of community needs will be common areas of discussion. Safety in the repair and new-build work will also be critical.

Integrating artefacts and materials saved from destroyed buildings will also be a consideration, along with working with and supporting local artists and craftspeople.

RCP are developing an overall consultation, design and delivery programme to prioritise and coordinate the delivery of all the building projects.

Bishop Victoria says "we are delighted to have a team in place to begin to meet the challenge of rebuilding our places of worship, prayer and community engagement. We are in a new era and we have an opportunity to create places and spaces that meet the needs of the community, whilst at the same time honouring Anglican tradition".

Warren and Mahoney have restored and designed additions to some of New Zealand's most significant historic buildings including Parliament Buildings and the Supreme Court of New Zealand (formerly Wellington's High Court). In 2008 they completed the restoration of Auckland's St Patricks Cathedral. To address the specialised nature of this commission they are associating with Hugh Tennent of Tennent Brown Architects.

RCP were Project Managers for Christchurch City Council's new offices, and are currently working on projects for other significant clients in Christchurch.

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