Prime Minister John Key says he is optimistic about targets for reopening Christchurch's central business district.
The aim is for cordons to be taken down in Cashel Mall in time for Show week in November, while the Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Authority hopes to lift cordons within most of the central city by Christmas and says it is working to fully open the area by next April.
Mr Key says that target is broadly in line with what the Cabinet was told when it met in Christchurch last week.
He says many buildings remain operational in the area, but some restrictions will have to be kept in place until the completion of demolition work involving major buildings such as the Hotel Grand Chancellor.
