A global quake rebuild expert is backing plans to rebuild Christchurch's crumpled CBD where it fell, saying it is "absolutely possible" if new foundation designs are used.
Michael King, director of engineering company Miyamoto Cardno, dismisses suggestions the Christchurch red zone should be moved elsewhere, saying its soft soil can be rebuilt upon.
"You can definitely build on soft land near the river - there are several methods for foundation designs that are suitable for this sort of soil conditions," he says.
"The recent earthquakes exposed a lot of the vulnerabilities of the buildings, but we can learn from the experience and engineer (and) design to mitigate these things."
Mr King believes many of the remaining buildings in the CBD should be rebuilt, not knocked down.
"Instead of demolishing buildings and replacing with a new one, I think a lot of buildings can be saved and rehabilitated cost-effectively.
"So saving what's here already would significantly reduce the rebuilding costs."
Mr King says the biggest challenge for the CBD rebuild is regaining investor confidence, and he believes well-designed buildings will help overcome those fears.
Miyamoto Cardno is the New Zealand arm of international engineering firm Miyamoto, which has partnered with governments to respond to earthquakes and hurricanes, and help with recovery and reconstruction, including in Christchurch.
NZN