Twelve years on the city is a combination of buildings that survived and empty lots vacated by buildings that didn’t, buildings under repair or that have been repaired, and new construction. Cathedral Square is the heart of the rebuild. The new Convention Centre is a stunning example of new construction.
The Christchurch Cathedral is being reinstated to once again take center place in Cathedral Square where it is planned to breathe new life and vibrancy into the heart of the city. This is a major reconstruction and upgrade project with a projected completion date of late 2027.
The new Christchurch Convention Centre opened December 17, 2021. Detail of its beautiful design is reflected in the main entrance way, shown below.
The former Chief Post Office has faced Cathedral Square since 1879. It’s restoration into a hospitality & visitor complex called The Grand is nearing completion. It had been planned to open in 2021 but opening has been pushed back to sometime in 2023.
The refurbished City Hall stands on the banks of the Avon River.
This building is Bellamy’s, the surviving wing of the Canterbury Provincial Council Buildings. It is awaiting repair.
These images show the inside of the room before and after the quake. It is unclear when this repair might be undertaken.
The rebuilding of the city since the quakes has been a major undertaking. Cathedral Square is the main site of the reconstruction, and it will be several years before it reopens. The reconstruction reflects a commitment to rebuild the beauty of the city, and there is a vibrancy to this re-emerging city!
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