Sumner landmark to be repaired

Repairs to the iconic Cave Rock signal mast will begin later this month.

It is expected to take about four months to do the work necessary to repair the quake damage to the popular rock formation and the signal mast on top of it.

 Christchurch City Council Programme Manager Heritage Rebuild Richie Moyle said the work would shore-up another icon for the region.

 "This is a big step for the Sumner community. For many years Cave Rock has provided a playground for Christchurch children visiting the beach," Mr Moyle said.

The Cave Rock Signal Mast is about to be repaired.

"The signal station at the top of Cave Rock was originally used to signal vessels approaching the Sumner bar when the wharf at Ferrymead was used to unload cargo for Christchurch. It's a hugely important part of the city's heritage."

Mr Moyle said the existing flag pole and roof would stay in their current positions and would be propped, while all the existing stone works are catalogued, recorded, and then taken down.

 "A new concrete floor is to be poured to level and then a steel portal framework is to be manufactured and installed to the existing structure. After that, the stone work is to be re-installed to the original positions. New doors and windows will also be installed and the roof re-painted."

 The work is expected to be finished around August.