A new report due out today provides fresh hope for those wanting to save Christchurch's iconic cathedral.
Demolition is already underway after Christchurch Cathedral was badly damaged in the February quake.
But a panel of experts will today release a report, stating most of the building can be saved, while also meeting the highest safety ratings.
Supporters hope it will reverse the fate of the quake-battered iconic landmark that has already undergone some demolition work.
Jim Anderton, the co-chair of the Great Christchurch Buildings Trust says it's important the city retains vital links to its past.
“It’s much better, safer and almost certainly cheaper to make it safe in the method that they’ve produced and then rebuild with as much of the building in situ as they possibly can.”
Mr Anderton says demolition work has been put on hold as church trustees and the Government consider the report.
However Prime Minister John Key says based on the best engineering advice so far, the Anglican Church has no option but to demolish the cathedral.
“So what we are doing is making sure that that deconstruction is done in such a way that we preserve as much of the material as we can.”
Mr Key says if it had sound advice to the contrary the Government wouldn't rule out changing its approach or seeking a compromise.
RadioLIVE / 3 News