15 Nov 2018

An engineer with more than 30 years experience has been appointed as the Project Director for the reinstatement of Christ Church Cathedral.

Christchurch-based professional project director and consulting engineer Keith Paterson has been employed by Christ Church Cathedral Reinstatement Limited (CCRL).

Keith Paterson

Keith Paterson is leading the project to reinstate Christ Church Cathedral.

Mr Paterson worked for Beca from 1986 until recently in a variety of roles both in New Zealand and offshore. He oversaw the firm’s Canterbury rebuild projects and says the Cathedral project is a once in a lifetime opportunity.

“The reinstatement will help put the heart back in our city, it will show the world our recovery is on track. I’m very pleased to have been chosen to be part of bringing this icon back to life,” says Mr Paterson.

Christ Church Cathedral Reinstatement Limited is the charitable company set up to lead the reinstatement project. Chair Justin Murray says he’s delighted they have such an experienced and capable person in the role.

“The Project Director is the glue that holds everything together in projects like this, and the powerhouse to drive it forward. This appointment is a key milestone. I believe that Keith’s extensive experience overseeing large, complex construction projects will stand him in good stead. We’re confident he has the skills, passion and experience for this.

Mr Paterson's initial focus will be to ensure the company is ‘match fit’ to tackle the project. This includes appointing personnel, establishing policies and procedures and the project execution plan.

Mr Paterson says the next few months will be exceptionally busy.

“We are currently investigating removing some of the steel reinforcing from the front of the Cathedral, looking at safety and security on the site and seeking expressions of interest from engineering firms to assist with the stabilisation and reinstatement work. It is full steam ahead.”