Plans for a temporary Christchurch Cathedral in New Zealand have been approved, as a building made in part from large cardboard tubes will replace the cathedral that was heavily damaged in an earthquake late last year.

The "Transitional Cathedral for Christchurch" is designed by Japanese architect Shigeru Ban and will be built in latimer Square on the site of St. John's Church, the Anglican Communion said Monday.

The structure, which can seat up to 700, is expected to be completed by December 2012.

The parishioners at St. John's currently worship at Mairehau High School and St. Saviour's, Sydenham, the Communion said.

"This is a very exciting next step for the project. The Transitional Cathedral is a symbol of hope for the future of this city as well as being sustainable and affordable," said Richard Gray, who represents the Transitional Cathedral Group, and Bishop Victoria Matthews.

"I am delighted we have reached this step and I acknowledge the wonderful collaboration between the congregations of the Cathedral and St John's that has made a Transitional Cathedral possible in the inner city," Bishop Matthews said.

Gray said that while most of the money needed to build the structure is available, more fundraising is expected to meet the costs.

See images provided by the Anglican Diocese of ChristChurch: