French officials are planning to construct a temporary wooden cathedral on the esplanade in front of the Notre Dame while the fire-ravaged landmark is being rebuilt.

Monsignor Patrick Chauvet, Notre Dames chief priest, has suggested building an ephemeral cathedral to give faithful Catholics a place to congregate until the 850-year-old architectural treasure reopens.

We mustnt say the cathedral is closed for five years and thats it, Chauvet told Frances CNews television channel Thursday, according to an AFP translation.

Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo has indicated her support for the idea to give part of the esplanade to the church for a temporary structure, according to the Guardian . The Paris City Hall approved the idea on Thursday, subject to technical restraints, the Associated Press reported.

About 13 million visitors visit the Notre Dame Cathedral every year.