The Government is yet to finalise land purchases for the first major public building to be built in Christchurch since the damaging earthquakes, despite officially launching plans for it in the city.
Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Minister Gerry Brownlee and Prime Minister John Key on Thursday unveiled plans for the $300 million-plus Justice and Emergency Services Precinct.
The precinct will house all the justice sector agencies, courts and the city's Civil Defence and emergency services.
Mr Brownlee says the Christchurch Central Development Unit has agreements in place for 91% of the total land required for the complex.
It will encompass at least 40,000 square metres over five floors in the city block bordered by Colombo, Tuam, Durham and Lichfield streets.
Mr Brownlee says the unit expects to finalise all land purchases soon and the demolition of the last few buildings on the site is scheduled to start in coming weeks.
He says earthworks are expected to begin by February 2014 and construction of the main building is planned to begin in June that year.
John Key says housing multiple agencies together will improve efficiency.
"This is the first of the major Government projects in Christchurch. It's the better part of $350 million, probably a little bit more. And the basic message to Christchurch is there's billions more to come, the rebuild is starting."
