Media Release – December 21, 2012

Cathedral Square to open for holiday viewing

Cathedral Square will partially reopen over the Christmas-New Year period to allow the public to see first-hand the dramatic change that has taken place in the heart of Christchurch.

The red zone cordon in place at the intersection of Gloucester and Colombo Streets is being reconfigured by the Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Authority (CERA) from this afternoon, to provide an extended walkway into the Square, leading to a public viewing area near the police kiosk.

The new public area will provide much closer viewing of the Christ Church Cathedral and surrounds compared to the existing walkway in place at the intersection, which has proven popular.

Weeks of planning have gone into the temporary cordon change, which is made possible because of the reduction in work volumes around the Square over the holiday period.

The New Zealand Defence Force personnel based at the intersection’s red zone checkpoint will continue to manage public access.

CERA chief executive Roger Sutton says the experience of seeing the extensive damage to the Christ Church Cathedral and loss of buildings around the Square may be difficult for some, but it is important to give people this opportunity.

``I hope people will go along in their holidays and see the Square as it is today, and then look forward to the exciting new space it will become at the heart of a dynamic new central city – which we will begin to see unfold in the new year,’’ Mr Sutton says.

``Along with the recent reopening of Victoria Square, this gives residents and visitors alike the chance to experience some of our most treasured places.’’

The extended walkway and viewing area in Cathedral Square will remain in place until January 6.

The Worcester Street bridge has also been partially reopened, providing an additional access point to the Punting on the Avon attraction.
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