The Francis Petre-designed St Patrick’s Basilica in Oamaru has been closed since mid-year to enable a comprehensive interior update.
It was expected to be completed in time for Christmas but will now reopen on January 26.
Parish administrator Elaine Hurley said the project had been expected to be far enough advanced for the Christmas celebrations to return to the basilica.
However, things were progressing remarkably well given the scale of the project and a late January opening looked certain.
"Even if it goes a few weeks over, we’re going to be back," Mrs Hurley said.
The project includes a new ground-level accessible entrance with disability facilities, baby changing and toilet area. A new digital organ is being installed, along with carpeting and new pews adding a degree of comfort.
The baptismal font is being returned its original position at the entrance to the church, and the sanctuary was being remodelled to provide a more devotional space.
Parish pastoral council chairwoman Adrienne Wylie said there had been a desire from parishioners to return the Blessed Sacrament tabernacle to the sanctuary.
With the altar moved forward, a new curved wall was being constructed and a new tabernacle, donated by former parish priest Wayne Healey would be installed beneath a marble canopy.
The old main entrance would remain but would be airtight, while the confessional area would now better reflect the Catholic Church’s contemporary safeguarding practices.
"It will be great when it’s done."
The parish launched a long-term project in 2019 to bring the building up to earthquake code and to improve it overall.
