Returning to the CBD

Re-entry information for building owners and managers

This information will assist central city building owners, their tenants, business owners and their staff understand the process for moving back into CBD locations recently removed from the CBD red zone. Further information is available at the links provided.

CBD red zone working hours are 7am to 7pm – Monday to Saturday.

There may be disruption from noise, heavy traffic, vibration and dust. Work just outside the CBD red zone cordon could also cause disruption. Inspections, repairs and assessments still need to be completed.

The CBD is still a work in progress.

Temporary repairs have been made to street-level infrastructure. Despite the best efforts, some repairs may not be identified until infrastructure is used.

Before a building is reoccupied, a Detailed Engineering Evaluation (DEE) must be provided to the Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Authority (CERA).

Acceptable evaluations do not mean a building is completely safe – some hazards may require repair. For more information see our structural assessments page.

Work on structural damage must meet legislative and building consent requirements.
For more information see the Christchurch City Council's central city red zone checklist.

Before the cordon is lifted, extensive checks are made to confirm that buildings and the surrounding area do not pose hazards.

Repairs to footpaths, roads and streetlighting are completed, though some repairs may be temporary and some surfaces may be uneven.

Cordon reductions may not be permanent.

Ongoing seismic activity does create some uncertainty, and the possibility of the cordon being reinstated cannot be totally ruled out.

CBD red zone cordon fences should not be moved in any circumstances.

The fences are placed where they are by qualified structural engineers. In some cases the fences protect people from specific hazards. If a fence may need to be moved call CERA on 0800 RING CERA (0800 7464 2372).

Building owners and occupiers should renew their safety plans.

Building occupants should also assess their building to address any potential hazards. Building evacuation plans should be reviewed and, if necessary, amended. Contact the New Zealand Fire Service for further information.

CBD red zone business access can be facilitated by CERA, provided it is safe to do so.

For questions on access issues, please call 0800 RING CERA (0800 7464 2372).

Entry into the CBD red zone via a building (such as a back entrance) should be for emergency use only.

To find out how to apply for access visit see our CBD red zone access programme page.

A CBD re-entry checklist has been prepared for those building owners and managers planning a return to Christchurch CBD.

CBD re-entry checklist [PDF 403KB]

This checklist should be used alongside information provided in the Christchurch City Council's central city red zone checklist.