Work has officially begun on the Canterbury regional Council's new offices in Christchurch's city centre.
Environment Minister Amy Adams turned the first sod on Wednesday in front of the council's commissioners including chairperson Dame Margaret Bazley.
The former offices were damaged beyond repair in the February 2011 earthquake.
Dame Margaret says staff have shown great resilience over the past three years, operating out of offices and depots across the city.
She says the new building in Tuam Street will house 450 staff and be available for council and community groups to use. They are set to be open by March 2016.
From left, Environment Minister Amy Adams with Environment Canterbury Commissioners Professor Peter Skelton, Donald Couch, David Bedford, Rex Williams, David Caygill and Dame Margaret Bazley. Photo: SUPPLIED
