Taranaki Cathedral’s earthquake strengthening and remediation is expected to cost between $8-$10 million.

The cathedral Dean, the Very Revd Peter Beck, said the church community is pleased to receive the quantity surveyor’s preliminary report, which provides a target for fundraising efforts.

“This is an early estimate,” he says, “but it gives the cathedral and the Taranaki community something to work with. Already there are individuals and organisations interested in contributing to fundraising efforts, and this figure will help us get the ball rolling.”

Jenny Goddard, the Cathedral’s Remediation and Design Manager, has prepared a preliminary timeline which shows that if targets are met, the building – which is the oldest stone church in New Zealand – could be re-opened in early-to-mid 2019.

The Taranaki Cathedral was temporarily closed on January 31 this year, after a seismic report found it to be at risk of collapse in an earthquake. 

Archbishop Philip Richardson, who is also the Bishop of Taranaki, welcomed today’s news. He believes the $8-$10 million “is a realistic, achievable figure”, and is in line with work carried out on other significant buildings around the country.

The quantity surveyors, Rawlinsons’, have based their estimates on the strengthening plan prepared by the engineering firm, Holmes Consulting. Their estimates also include an allowance for items such as improved heating, lighting and stone maintenance.

Once the project is complete, says the archbishop, the cathedral will be in shape “to serve the Taranaki community for the next two hundred years”.

Holmes Consulting will now be asked to develop its strengthening concept into the preliminary design phase.

While that work is happening the cathedral is seeking to develop a vision for what the central New Plymouth site will look like – and become – for the people of Taranaki.

Background notes:

• The oldest part of Taranaki Cathedral Church of St Mary’s was temporarily closed on January 31 by the building’s owners, the Taranaki Anglican Trust Board. This was after a detailed seismic assessment (DSA) determined it was vulnerable to collapse in the event of an earthquake.

• Since March 2016, Sunday services have been held across the road in the Peace Hall on Vivian St. Midweek services continue in an upstairs lounge called the Upper Room.

• Jenny Goddard, a New Plymouth architect with an interest in heritage buildings, took up the position of Cathedral Remediation and Design Manager on August 1.