Cathedral Square in Christchurch will partially reopen over
the Christmas-New Year period, allowing the public to see
first-hand the dramatic change that has taken place in the
heart of the city.
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.
A new public viewing area will be set up, providing much
closer viewing of the Christ Church Cathedral and surrounds
compared to the existing walkway in place at the
intersection.
Cera chief executive Roger Sutton said the experience of
seeing the extensive damage to the cathedral and loss of
surrounding buildings may be difficult for some, but it was
important to give people the 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," he said.
"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 will remain in place
until January 6.
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