Quake cathedral condemned

New Zealand’s Anglican Church is to demolish the 131-year-old cathedral in Christchurch because it is dangerous and too expensive to rebuild after last year’s earthquake.

The Gothic-style cathedral, which dominates the city’s central square, was badly damaged in February 2011. A 6.3 magnitude quake killed 185 people and destroyed large areas of the business centre and more than 6,000 homes.

The landmark cathedral had been a favourite meeting place and tourist attraction, but any chance of saving it was ended by several strong aftershocks that caused more damage.

“The decision we have made has been made with prayer, with great deliberation, and an utmost concern for safety,” Bishop Victoria Matthews said.

Christchurch mayor Bob Parker said the decision to demolish the building was “heartbreaking”.

He added: “It is not an easy decision for many of us to accept.”

Thousands of tremors over the past year, some with magnitudes of up to 6, have delayed any concerted rebuilding.