RSA Sumner

It was heartbreaking to see Sumner. So many of the fine old buildings have been demolished and the nicest suburb in chch now looks like a warzone. This is the RSA which was hit by a massive rockfall killing 2 people.

Narrow Escape

This house had a narrow escape but lots didn't and were engulfed by the falling rocks.

Redcliffs

Went for a drive out to Sumner for the first time since the February quake. All along the coast the cliffs have collapsed. In Redcliffs this whole section collapsed and narrowly missed the local school.

The Dozers Reach Merivale

The corner of Mansfield Ave and Papanui Rd is gone.

Provincial Council Chambers

Munted. There are plans to save these buildings. I hope so they are part of what makes Chch special.

Broken Heart

The cathedral lies at the centre of the city. We have all seen the images on TV of the damage but few of us have seen it for real. This is as close as I could get: a zoom through the barricades.

Chimneys

Christchurch has lost a lot of chimneys. These large stone ones are at the Arts Centre. I love walking down this street or, even better, taking the tram. I wonder how long it will be before we can do that again.

Cracked

This close up shows the damage to the tower. Apparently the whole building was within seconds of complete collapse. Amazingly no one was killed in the Arts Centre.

Clock Tower

At the Arts Centre work is progressing on stabilising the buildings. The clock tower has been surrounded by a frame of girders.

Colombo St

Munted.

Manchester St

This is the view through the barricades. Still recognisable just. After the demolitions have finished I don't think there will be much left.

Back of High St

High St is still inside the cordon but this is the back of the row of shops as seen from St Asaph. Should not be able to see these but the building in the way has collapsed and been removed.

Munted

Parts of the CBD have been opened up to traffic so I took the chance for a look around. It's hard to tell but I think this used to be Mckenzie and Willis. What must things be like in the areas they won't let us see.

Temporary Repairs

Attempts at weather proofing these damaged buildings look like failing. It is sad but lots of lovely buildings like these will be demolished.

Weeping Angels

Obviously quantum locked as they are facing each other with their eyes open.

Basillica Update

After dropping James off at pre-school I went for a look round the city. Work on deconstructing the basillica is about to start. Large containers have been placed in front to catch any falling masonry and the cross is due to be removed today. After that the plan is to remove the dome which is slowly crushing the damaged main part of the building.

This is just opposite James' pre-school so I will be able to monitor the progress.

Sightseeing

The accessible part of the city was full of people out to see the damage to the city. It is an important part of the process of coming to terms with what has happened.

Leaning Tower

The Hotel Grand Chancellor looks more precarious every day.

Christchurch is Closed

The CBD remains behind a cordon.

Another Chippy Bites the Dust

There were flowers tied to the barricade outside this shop so someone must have died in here.