Seddon church to be demolished

Quake damage spells end for building SVEN HERSELMAN

The St Andrew's Presbyterian Church building in Seddon is to be demolished in just a few weeks because of earthquake damage.

The church, built in 1955, has not been used by its large congregation since the severe earthquakes that rocked area in July and August last year. The Rev Dawn Daunauda said the demolition would be an emotional experience for the congregation and the wider community.

She said the decision to demolish the church building came after months of consultation and was not made lightly.

"The decision was made on April 13. It was unanimous, which was really good."

The building sustained severe damage in both major quakes, making repairs unfeasible.

The church management team had been working with the Marlborough District Council, Simcox Construction and the national Presbyterian Property Trust.

"They have all been so supportive. Council waived the demolition fee, which was very generous, and Simcox have done a special deal for us for the demolition work. Simcox have been great," Daunauda said.

The demolition crew would work with church management during the demolition to save whatever parts of the building they could.

Unfortunately, the stained glass windows cannot be saved as work to remove them would be too expensive because of the structural damage the building had sustained, Daunauda said.

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Seddon church to be demolished