Parts of Christchurch's central business district are set to open in October.
The area has been closed since the devastating earthquake on 22 February which severely damaged many buildings.
The first of a series of meetings for business owners with properties in the inner-city red zone was held on Thursday to discuss getting back into the buildings, structural issues and insurance concerns.
Project Re-Start 29-10-11 is a joint initiative of the city's property owners and business group, the Christchurch City Council and Civil Defence.
Relocatable pre-fabricated buildings will be set up for use by retailers and hospitality owners unable to reopen their existing buildings.
The area affected is between Oxford Terrace, Hereford Street, Colombo Street and Lichfield Street.
Paul Lonsdale, of the Central City Business Association, says the buildings will help to keep the inner-city going as future development plans are finalised.
Mr Lonsdale says 30 or 40 businesses have expressed interest in the idea.
The re-opening at the end of October coincides with the A&P show and Trotting Cup, one of the city's busiest times.
