Christchurch

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Christchurch - a city with it's heart ripped out



As the city needs tourists and the income generated we felt it necessary to visit. All city centre hotels are closed so we stayed in the suburbs but I walked out one evening and found it eerie how random buildings in one street were standing apparently unscathed and yet the neighbouring house was a heap of rubble.

The city commercial area had an enterprising concept of brightly coloured portacabins converted to shops and cafes but as you can see from the photos not many people about. The road closures and transport infrastructure (no trams and limited bus access) meant that residents only enter by necessity.

There is a blueprint for a new city but it will take years to build as there is a shortage of skilled labour. The city council is considering bring in builders from Ireland.

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Photos

Christchurch town centre
Multi coloured cabins make for temporary shop units

More shops
Not many shoppers

Still standing
An old shop defiant of the chaos nearby

christchurch united
Even in the midst of ruin they create an astroturf pitch

Play at you own risk
Health and safety applies over here also