Christchurch is looking forward. It is the South Island's largest city, and the country's second largest, but it lost its CBD in the earthquakes.
They need a new one, quickly.
But people want a city centre to be proud of, too, and that's a hell of a balancing act.
Add into the mix that good aesthetics can cost a whole lot more than slabs of concrete block.
Watch the video for John Sellwood’s full report.