The largest concrete pour in Christchurch's central business district since the 2011 earthquakes started in the early hours Saturday morning.
Close to 900 cubic metres of concrete, the equivalent of 180 standard concrete trucks, is being poured for The Terrace development, one of the city's first entertainment build projects.
Developer Antony Gough says the pour, which is expected to take eight hours to complete, is significant as it is important for people to feel the city is being rebuilt.
The development will include retailers, hospitality venues, offices, a hotel and car parking and lies between Oxford Terrace, Cashel Mall and Hereford Street.
Mr Gough says the first of five stages, involving bars and some apartments is expected to be completed by the end of the year.