Catholic diocese sells central Christchurch riverfront land
Thursday 8 October 2026 · 2 outlets · 2 reports · updated 
The Catholic Diocese of Christchurch has put a 1,300sq m vacant site on the banks of the Avon River up for sale. The land was previously intended for a new Catholic precinct but is being sold as the diocese seeks funds to rebuild its cathedral.
Key facts
4 facts
- The property at 125-131 Armagh St is 1300m²
- The sale deadline is 5 November 2026
- The new cathedral will cost $80 million
- The diocese has $45m from insurance and asset sales
The full story
1 min read · 2 outlets
The Catholic Diocese of Christchurch is selling a 1300m² vacant site at 125 to 131 Armagh St. The property sits between Armagh Street and the Avon River. The sale has a deadline of 4pm on 5 November 2026, unless the property is sold earlier.
The land was previously intended to be part of a new Catholic precinct that included a cathedral, school, offices, and apartments. The diocese has instead decided to spend $80 million to build a new cathedral on Barbadoes Street. This new site is where the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament was demolished in 2020.
The sale is part of an ordered process to sell surplus central city property. Chief operating officer Alex Bailey said that while proceeds could help fund the cathedral, the project is not contingent on the sale. The diocese has previously sold the Maryville Courts retirement village and suburban sites to assist with funding.
The 1300m² freehold site has central city zoning, allowing for residential, office, retail, or hospitality uses. It features three street frontages and is located near the Margaret Mahy Playground and the tram route. The property has a rating valuation of $3.29 million.
Where reports differ
- One report notes the site has been vacant since the earthquake, while another specifies it has been vacant for the best part of a decade.
Compiled from reports by The Press and NZ Herald.
