Earthquake repair work has started on the Christchurch Art Gallery, the first of Christchurch City Council's existing major facilities to have work begin on it.
The multi-million dollar project will result in the building being lifted permanently, with piles under the foundations, which will be filled with grout, slowly raising the structure.
Waste material generated by the work will be pumped out and recycled for use in repairing the city's roads.
Christchurch mayor Bob Parker says the repair signals the rebuilding in the city is well underway.
It is expected the Art Gallery will reopen in 2015.