The following is the text of the Press Release issued.
PRESS RELEASE:
100 ENGINEERS PETITION ON REBUILD AND RESTORATION OF CHCH CATHEDRAL
Over 100 engineers from last weekend’s (14/15th April 2012) Seismic Engineers conference in Christchurch signed a petition that supports the feasibility of safely recovering Christchurch Cathedral. Signatories included top New Zealand professional engineers, international experts on seismic engineering and structural design of earthquake prone buildings, seismologists and engineering geologists, representatives from the full range of disciplines involved in the seismic structural engineering community.
The petition reads as follows:
CHRISTCHURCH CATHEDRAL CAN BE RECOVERED AND MADE SAFE
This Petition is endorsed by the following attendees of the New Zealand Society for Earthquake Annual Technical Conference, April 13-15th 2012 in Christchurch New Zealand
New Zealand has a long tradition of innovation and research into the resolution and solving of engineering problems particularly those relating to earthquake engineering. Christchurch and the University of Canterbury is recognised as being a centre of engineering excellence and research into innovation, design of materials and structures in seismic prone conditions.
Christchurch has suffered as series of extraordinary seismic events which have damaged buildings throughout the city and wider region. Christchurch Cathedral, the city’s most iconic building, has been severely damaged and has now been scheduled for urgent demolition, despite a great public outcry and appeals for its restoration.
PETITION
We, the undersigned, being attendees of the New Zealand Society for Earthquake Engineering Annual Technical Conference 2012 in Christchurch New Zealand, believe it is technically feasible for the Christchurch Cathedral to be safely repaired, rebuilt and restored to its original form in such a manner as to meet all earthquake code requirements and make the building safe for future public use.
We also believe the restoration of the Christchurch Cathedral could be undertaken so that it is restored to its former glory as the symbol of Christchurch and as an embodiment of the determination and spirit of the people of Christchurch to rise from adversity.
Ends:
Petition Contact and spokesperson:
Andrew King, Structural Engineer