Demolition work is continuing apace on the historic Cranmer Court building in Christchurch despite a city council vote today asking the Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Authority for a month's pause.
Councillors voted 5-4 about 11.30am on a notice of motion from Cr Helen Broughton seeking a moratorium to allow time to explore other options for the heritage-listed apartment complex in Cranmer Square.
The letter requesting a stay of execution was hand-delivered to CERA about 2.30pm, but excavation machinery was still working by late afternoon.
A CERA spokesperson directed all media inquiries to the building owners saying "any change to the current work programme" would have to be initiated by them.
Cranmer Court body corporate chairman David Chambers did not return calls from The Star.
About one-third of the 136-year-old stone building has already been demolished since work began last Thursday.
- By Cullen Smith of The Star
