The 1989 Newcastle earthquake at first appeared to have damaged the cathedral only superficially . However , it was soon realised that the building had been significantly harmed , and in need of restoration and refurbishment works . This project was undertaken by Dean Graeme Lawrence and architect B. J. Collins of the firm EJE Architecture . Work was begun in 1995 and completed in 1997 , involving an Australia-first engineering technique to strengthen the walls and piers by increasing ductility and therefore future earthquake resistance while at the same time maintaining aesthetic significance . The Cintec masonry anchoring system originally developed in Germany was used , in the process pioneering many building techniques in Australia . There are three basic elements in the Cintec system of reinforcement : a stainless steel anchor body to carry the load ; cementitious grout ; and the woven fabric sock which controls the movement of the grout . All the reinforcing was inserted into holes drilled in the brickwork without cooling water , as the escaping water could have damaged other areas of the cathedral . The total length of vertical and horizontal reinforcing installed was 3770 metres . The horizontal reinforcing of the nave walls , at 32 meters long , was a world record for this type of work . At the time the project involved the largest installation of Cintec anchors in a single building in the experience of the company
1989 Newcastle earthquake
1989 Newcastle earthquake
Christ Church Cathedral, Newcastle