The Catholic Church has spent more than $15 million on several blocks of riverside Christchurch land, likely to be the first stakes in a larger site for a complex which may include a new cathedral. READ MORE:* Cash donated to Christchurch Catholics not ring-fenced for heritage church restoration* Fight looming for Catholic church over decision to demolish Christchurch's Catholic cathedral* Bishop chooses demolition for Christchurch's historic Catholic cathedral* Mayor side-steps Catholic cathedral demolition issue citing conflict of interestThe eight adjoining sites were sold to the church for $11m by Christchurch investor Ben Gough's company Tailorspace. The Catholic Church now owns 10 sites at two ends of a central city block. In June, Martin announced they would reduce the number of parishes from 12 to five in the suburbs and the central city. STACY SQUIRES/STUFF The earthquake-damaged Catholic Cathedral on Barbadoes St.

Source: Stuff November 03, 2019 16:52 UTC