Demolition starts at former heritage site St James Church

Friday, 9 May 2025

Demolition has begun on the previously heritage protected St James Church on Riccarton Rd, after years of restrictions.

The church was badly damaged in the 2011 Christchurch earthquakes and has been shuttered ever since. However, its “highly significant” heritage status has previously stopped it from being demolished and sold.

The church, owned by Church Property Trustees (CPT) on behalf of the Anglican Diocese of Christchurch, was facing a $5.3 million repair bill.

As of 2024 the site had a rateable value of $3.7m, and the land alone was valued at $3.4m.

It was deconsecrated in 2018 and had been for sale as-is since 2019. But as it could not be demolished it was not attractive for buyers.

CPT made a submission on the city council’s proposed Plan Change 14 on housing density in 2023, asking that the heritage status of the building be removed.

The trustees said the earthquake damage had diminished the building’s heritage value and, as the Riccarton parish had since merged with Spreydon, the diocese had no use for the church or the site.

In September 2024 the council stripped the church of its heritage status.

Despite speculation that proceeds from the sale could go to the Christ Church Cathedral restoration, which is facing a $100m shortfall, the diocese has confirmed this will not happen.

“The Parish of Riccarton-Spreydon will be retaining a portion of the site where a commercial building and car parks are situated,” said a spokesperson for the Anglican Diocese of Christchurch.

“Proceeds from the sale of the rest of the site must be held in trust for the benefit of the parish and are not able to be gifted for purposes outside of the parish.”