Media Release – Wednesday 7 March 2011

Cathedral Square Walkway to reopen

A walkway into Cathedral Square will reopen this weekend and next,
to give people a last chance to see the ChristChurch Cathedral before
it is deconstructed.

The Anglican Church last week decided it will not rebuild its
Cathedral, which has suffered severe damage in the series of
earthquakes over the past year.

The demolition schedule of the BNZ in Cathedral Sq will allow for the
pedestrian use of Colombo Street into the Square for two weekends
only.

Last year a total of 110, 000 people took advantage of the bus and
walkway trips that visited Cathedral Square.

Since then the Anglican Church has made its decision to deconstruct
its building. But many people may not have taken the opportunity
last year to see the Cathedral for themselves, so CERA is
endeavouring to provide another chance.

For many people this may be a solemn and sobering experience and
for that reason it is hoped other people act respectfully and maturely.
The walkway route will be the same, leaving from and exiting at the
Re:Start Mall.

It will be open from 9am to 5pm this Saturday and Sunday, March 10
and 11, and the following weekend, March 17 and 18. Pedestrians
will not be admitted in after 4.30pm.

The walkway will be free, although as with last time a contributions
box will be available and any donations will offset the costs of fencing
and security staffing.

The walkway follows the lowest risk route in the area, but CERA’s
advice remains that given the potential for danger, people should
wear sturdy shoes and carry ID on their body rather than in a bag.
A high volume of people are expected to use the walkway and for
safety reason no pets, skateboards, scooters or bicycles will be
allowed.

And while this is a low risk event, the public must remain aware of
the dangers involved given the condition of the Cathedral building
and other buildings in the area.

Walkway users must stay in the designated fenced area for their own
safety and in the event of a major aftershock, everyone must follow
the directions of the New Zealand Police and security staff that will
be on hand.

Please be aware that in the event of bad weather or aftershocks the
walkway may not open as planned.

ends

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