A historic street in Christchurch has reopened to the public for the first time since the devastating earthquake in February 2011.
After several months of delays, the cordon surrounding New Regent Street is gone, the street has been repaved and all but five of the units have been strengthened and restored.
Erected in the 1930s, the pastel-coloured Spanish-style buildings suffered mainly superficial quake damage.
The manager of the central city business association, Paul Lonsdale, says although just six shops are open at this stage, two-thirds of the 38 buildings have tenants.
Mr Lonsdale says the grand opening will take place in spring when it is warmer and more businesses are up and running.
Two other sections of the city's red zone have also reopened.
Part of Cambridge Terrace was opened on Friday night, allowing public access to the Pyne Gould site where 18 people died in the February 2011 earthquake.
And people can now walk along the city side of the Avon River between Hereford and Armagh streets.
