Cathedral Square: Past and Future

Cathedral Square has long been an important civic space for Christchurch. In its time it has functioned as a transport hub and "movie theatre central". It's been a meeting place, and a stage for political protest, debate and speeches. It has been the home to markets, tourism operators, and of course, a cathedral. Numerous concerts have been held there and recently it has hosted a temporary ice-rink. From mid next year it will also have a shiny, new library in its North-East corner.

Regenerate Christchurch recently released some draft concepts for what Cathedral Square might look like in the future. And they are looking for feedback (until 21 August - so get in with your reckons).

Cathedral Square is a place with a many memories for Christchurch people and it has changed a great deal over the years. So while you're considering what The Square of the future should be like, have a look at these glimpses of its past.
Cathedral Square set on Canterbury Stories

Though there's no date provided for this photo of Cathedral Square covered in snow, the presence of the Citizens' War Memorial, far left, (unveiled in 1937) means it might be the snow of July, 1945.

Snow in town, Cathedral. Entry by Yvonne van Eerden in the 2014 Christchurch City Libraries Photo Hunt. CC BY-NC-ND 3.0 NZ. CCL-PH14-192
Leading the Choristers. Jacqui Taylor's father leading a procession in front of the ChristChurch Cathedral. He sang in the Cathedral Choir. Late 1940s. Entry in the 2010 Christchurch City Libraries Photo Hunt. CC BY-NC-SA 3.0 NZ. CCL-HW10-S-Fe-020
 
 

Obligatory Wizard photo.

The Wizard, Cathedral Square, 1982. Entry by Julia Thomas in the 2014 Christchurch City Libraries Photo Hunt. CC BY-NC-ND 3.0 NZ. CCL-PH14-126

A busy day in Cathedral Square, probably in the 1990s.

Andrea McHarg in the 2013 Christchurch City Libraries Photo Hunt. CC BY-NC-ND 3.0 NZ. CCL-PH13-393
Cathedral Cuties. Pauline Ormandy (left) and Colleen Finn (right) by the Cathedral as 16 year olds, 1964. Entry in the 2010 Christchurch City Libraries Photo Hunt. CC BY-NC-SA 3.0 NZ. CCL-HW10-Sh-161

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