Heritage advocates are making a last minute attempt to save Christchurch's historic Majestic Theatre, as demolition preparations begin.
The theatre was deemed unsafe after the earthquakes and was bought by the Crown last year.
The Historic Places Trust's Canterbury deputy chairperson, Ross Gray, led a deputation to city councillors on Tursday to ask for help.
Mr Gray says Christchurch Central Development Unit and Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Authority representatives have not been willing to meet with the trust.
Mr Gray says about 235 listed heritage buildings have been demolished following the earthquakes and a repaired Majestic Theatre would be an asset for the city.
Councillors sought urgent advice on Thursday from staff on the implications of their position on the theatre and will seek an urgent meeting with the development unit on the matter.