Turning of the Sod
A 'sod turning' ceremony took place on the site proposed for the transitional 'cardboard' cathedral during a visit in late April of emergency architect Shigeru Ban. In the midst of considerable media interest a gathering of around 100 witnesses energetic digging by Shigeru, local architect Peter Marshall (Warren and Mahoney), contractor Scott Watson (Naylor Love) and Chair of Cathedral Chapter Anthony Wright. Bishop Victoria Matthews led those present in a short service before blessing the site. Shown in the picture above is project manager Johnny McFarlane (BECA) being interviewed by TV3 news.
The transitional cathedral will be situated on the site of the old St John's Anglican Church, cnr of Hereford and Madras street, in the inner city, about five minutes walk from Cathedral Square.
