Prime Minister John Key says the Government will have the land it needs for a new convention centre in Christchurch in the coming weeks.
A large-scale convention centre precinct has been outlined as an 'anchor project' in the Government's blueprint for the central city.
With seating for 2000 people it is expected to be completed by March 2017.
Mr Key told the earthquake memorial service in Christchurch on Friday he expects to see the rebuilding of the central city move from demolition to construction this year.
He said all the necessary land for the convention centre will have been acquired in the next few weeks and the site will be cleared by the end of the year for construction to begin.
