Christchurch City Council has formally approved a draft plan for the rebuild of the central city.
The plan now goes to Earthquake Recovery Minister Gerry Brownlee for final approval.
Mayor Bob Parker says the plan is a once in a millennium opportunity to reshape a city.
He says in implementing the plan, the council won't forget those killed and scarred by the earthquake or the promise it has made to the community who shaped the plan.
The council received about 3500 submissions on the plan. Public hearings were held over eight days.
It covers issues such as investment in new public facilities and spaces and building rules and design standards for the rebuild.
Mr Parker says the council has responded to some of the concerns of the business community about the building rules being too flexible.
"And I'm very hopeful that this will get a speedy passage through the cabinet and through the government and back into the hands of the people of this city so we can get stuck in!"
Mr Parker expects to have a decision back by April 2012.
