Christchurch developer and heritage advocate Shaun Stockman has urged the city council to commit to restoring key heritage buildings in the central city, saying the Cathedral remains critical to Christchurch’s identity.

Speaking to councillors, Stockman said his long involvement in heritage restoration had shown that preserving historic buildings was not always commercially viable, but remained essential for the city.

“It’s no secret that I’m a strong heritage advocate,” he said. Stockman had restored several heritage buildings on High Street, some at a financial loss, driven by what he described as a civic responsibility.

He also pointed to his 11 years with the Christchurch Heritage Trust, which helped save Trinity Church and the Shand’s Building.

“Both of these buildings were simply not viable to restore and retain, but we did so,” he said. “The dollars don’t stack up, but today there’s no argument these buildings offer beauty and social cohesion to our city centre.”

“It’s probably no secret that I’m here today to talk about the cathedral, which I personally consider the most iconic and important heritage building we have left to restore in our CBD,” he said.

He outlined the cathedral’s history, from its planning in 1848 as a central place of worship and gathering, through to its construction beginning in 1864 and completion in 1904 after decades of work.

Stockman said the building had stood as a symbol of resilience, surviving multiple earthquakes before suffering catastrophic damage in 2011.

“Its ongoing restoration serves as a focal point for our city’s recovery,” he said. “In my view, the absence of a restored cathedral indicates the absence of a restored city centre.”

He said the cathedral had long served multiple roles, including as a spiritual hub, civic venue, and cultural landmark.

“It is still considered the heart of our city, located in the heart of Cathedral Square and going right back to our city’s first roots,” he said.

Stockman said the building also held significant historical value, with memorials and records reflecting Canterbury’s development. He said restoring the cathedral would send a strong message about Christchurch’s resilience.

“A restored cathedral is a clear statement to the world of how we rally together and rebuild as a city,” he said. Stockman acknowledged the cost of restoration but said the value of the building went beyond financial considerations.

“The cathedral is more than a pile of damaged stones. It represents the identity of Christchurch and the shared history and memories of its people,” he said. “The absence of a functioning restored cathedral is like losing part of ourselves.”

He said the decision facing the council was about more than balancing budgets. “What is the cost of becoming a city that chooses budget over integrity,” he said.

“Restoring the cathedral is not about the past versus the future, it’s about ensuring the central heart of a city is treated with the respect it has always deserved.”