Around $14 million in additional fundraising would be needed to restore ChristChurch cathedral, a much lower sum than previously estimated, government documents say.
ChristChurch cathedral. Photo: AFP
The future of the badly damaged building has been uncertain for six years. The Anglican Church favours demolishing what remains of the structure and building constructing a new cathedral while some heritage advocates want the original restored.
The Anglican Church's synod will meet next month to make a decision about the building.
Last month the government and the Christchurch City Council made public an offer to the church to restore the building; the government would contribute $25 million of grants and loans and Christchurch City Council $10m subject to public consultation.
Documents released by the government about the offer said this would mean the amount needed in further fundraising was about $14m, down from an estimated $40m-$50m.
Under the offer, additional fundraising would be managed by a trust, appointed by the Government.
