Interim cathedral gets go-ahead.

The proposed Cardboard Cathedral will be a symbol of hope for the future, according to the Anglican Church in Christchurch.

The $5 million transitional cathedral has been given the go-ahead on the St John’s site in Latimer Square and is expected to be up and running by December.

Constructed with cardboard tubes, timber beams, structural steel, and concrete, it is expected to last 20 years and will eventually become the new place of worship for the city’s St John’s parish, whose church, vicarage and hall had to be demolished after the February 22 shake.

Designed by Japanese architect Shigeru Ban it will have seating for 700-people, and provide a venue for concerts, exhibitions and community events.

An ancillary building of linked containers will sit alongside the cathedral and include a cafe and shop along with meeting rooms, amenities and offices.

Transitional Cathedral Group spokesman Richard Gray believes it will be a beacon of hope for everyone in Canterbury. “The transitional cathedral is a symbol of hope for the future of this city as well as being sustainable and affordable,” he said. “The cathedral is confident it will attract interest nationally and internationally, drawing additional visitors to the city.”

The Anglican Church said that the capital cost for the new cathedral and supporting buildings, has been estimated at $4m to $5m.

They say that the cost of the building will be covered in part from their insurances — mainly from a Material Damage indemnity payout, and also from Business Interruption contributions. “The bulk of the money is in hand but there will be further fundraising to meet the costs of building the temporary structure,” Mr Gray said.

A feasibility study was conducted using a $50,000 donation from the Christchurch Earthquake Appeal Trust.

Extra fundraising will be needed to cover costs related particularly to the annex facility. The building will face the CTV building site where 115 people died in the February 22 earthquake. “It’s sort of poignant looking around now at the CTV site opposite, in particular. We’ve all suffered a great deal,” Mr Gray said.

Christchurch Bishop Victoria Matthews said, “I am delighted we have reached this step and I acknowledge the wonderful collaboration between the congregations of the Cathedral and St John’s that has made a Transitional Cathedral possible in the inner city.”

Shigeru, known for his work in disaster zones, and associate architect Yoshie Narimatsu are not charging for their services.

By Aaron Ironside