The Christchurch City Council says it needs Government money to help repair its earthquake damaged heritage and character buildings.
Christchurch owners worst affected by October's quake remain uncertain about their future, despite reassurance by the Earthquake Commission that many of the properties are safe to rebuild on.
Tommy discusses future building procedures in response to the Christchurch earthquake.
Photograph captioned by Fairfax, "Andre Marchand at the site of the heritage building in Colombo Street that housed his business before the earthquake".
Photograph captioned by Fairfax, "Andre Marchand at the site of the heritage building in Colombo Street that housed his business before the earthquake".
Business owners have told the Christchurch City Council they are haemorrhaging thousands of dollars a week, while it decides whether or not to demolish their buildings following last month's earthquake.
Photograph captioned by Fairfax, "Australian heritage architects Edward Clode and Barney Collis survey the earthquake damage to the Cranmer Courts, which have been converted into apartments".
Photograph captioned by Fairfax, "Australian heritage architects Barney Collis (left) and Edward Clode survey the earthquake damage to the Cranmer Courts which have been converted into apartments".
A video of people protesting outside the Christchurch City Council offices on Worcester Street. The are protesting the demolition of the Manchester Courts building.
Photograph captioned by Fairfax, "Demolition of Manchester Courts building continues with beams now exposed. The heritage building was severely damaged by the September earthquake. Demolition workers visible in top left corner".
Photograph captioned by Fairfax, "Demolition of Manchester Courts building continues with beams now exposed. The heritage building was severely damaged by the September earthquake. Demolition workers visible in top left corner".
Photograph captioned by Fairfax, "Demolition of Manchester Courts building continues with beams now exposed. The heritage building was severely damaged by the September earthquake. Demolition workers visible in top left corner".
A video of a tour of the Christchurch Arts Centre, lead by Director Ken Franklin. Franklin talks about the strengthening work which was done to the Arts Centre before the earthquakes, the damage caused by the 4 September 2010 earthquake, and the importance of preserving the character of the buildings.
Some Christchurch building owners say a bulldozer's the best option, despite the city council calling for government help to rebuild heritage buildings damaged by the earthquake.
Photograph captioned by Fairfax, "Cranmer Court residents Kristin Hollis (left) and Rod McKay talk to Australian heritage architects Edward Clode and Barney Collis about the earthquake damage to the old buildings, which have been converted into apartments".
Photograph captioned by Fairfax, "Historic building owner John Phillips wants the red tape to go so he can pull his very badly damaged heritage building down and start again so the businesses in the premises can start again".
The mayor of Christchurch is urging owners of heritage buildings damaged in the earthquake, not to tear down the city's treasures without first considering if they can be saved.
Photograph captioned by Fairfax, "Life in ruins: 27 year-old Chris Meyer, owner and operator of Federal Coffee House, which was located at 160 Manchester Street. The Heritage 1 building that he used to run his business from is being torn down tomorrow".
Photograph captioned by Fairfax, "Life in ruins: 27 year-old Chris Meyer, owner and operator of Federal Coffee House, which was located at 160 Manchester Street. The Heritage 1 building that he used to run his business from is being torn down tomorrow".
Photograph captioned by Fairfax, "Life in ruins: 27 year-old Chris Meyer, owner and operator of Federal Coffee House, which was located at 160 Manchester Street. The Heritage 1 building that he used to run his business from is being torn down tomorrow".
The Christchurch City Council has voted to fast track the demolition of two heritage buildings that it says were severely damaged in September's earthquake and pose an immediate danger to people's safety.
Photograph captioned by Fairfax, "Crowd shot of firemen from all over Canterbury who were awarded by the New Zealand Fire Commission and New Zealand Government for their service during the Canterbury earthquake crisis. The event was held at the Hall of Flame at Ferrymead Heritage Park".
Damage to the Westende Jewellers building. The upper storey facade has collapsed, and rubble covers the road. The area has been cordoned off with road cones and police tape, and fire service personnel are inspecting the damage from the basket of a fire engine's ladder.
Damage to the Repertory Theatre building. Part of the facade has collapsed onto the awning below, and bricks and masonry have spilled across the street. The building is cordoned off with road cones and police tape.
The clock on New Regent Street. A crack runs down the edge of the parapet, showing how the buildings have moved. The clock has stopped at the time of the earthquake.
Damage to the Westende Jewellers building. The upper storey facade has collapsed, and rubble covers the road. The area has been cordoned off with road cones and police tape, and fire service personnel are inspecting the damage from the basket of a fire engine's ladder.
Broken windows in the Design and Arts College building in Worcester Street.
Photograph captioned by Fairfax, "Historic building owner John Phillips wants the red tape to go so he can pull his very badly damaged heritage building down and start again so the businesses in the premises can start again. Phillips owns the former Nurse Maude building on Madras Street".
An entry from Ruth Gardner's blog for 31 December 2010 entitled, "Marred Memorial".
An entry from Ruth Gardner's blog for 22 October 2010 entitled, "Poignant Poi".