Christchurch Earthquake Update - Sunday 12 September 5.15pm

Special Heritage Appeal Launched

Mayor Bob Parker has announced that a special appeal will be launched tomorrow to help fund the repair, restoration and strengthening of character and heritage buildings damaged during the Christchurch earthquake.

From tomorrow (Monday 13 September), local, national and international donations will be able to made to the special fund. Further details about how the public can donate to it will be released tomorrow. At this stage, the Fund will contain the $1 million grant that Fletcher Building made earlier this week. Tomorrow, the Council expects to receive word of Government support. "We have a massive job ahead of us and we need to do it together," Mr Parker says. "The protection and preservation of our heritage and character buildings is at the forefront of our minds as we move into the recovery phase.

"It is important for our heritage and character building owners to understand that we will be working with them to retain the vitally important buildings of which they are custodians."

Meeting to be held The Council is also arranging a meeting tomorrow with building owners, heritage groups, engineers, architects and members of the insurance industry at the Christchurch Town Hall to discuss ongoing issues and challenges with them.

"Out of that we hope to be able to develop a Heritage Rebuilding Group, comprising professionals from within the industry who are prepared to offer assistance during this time," Mr Parker says.

ENDS

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