Experts are backing that Christchurch will re-emerge as a green city with a "fresh look" when the earthquake recovery is complete, but it may be another 15 years until the end result appears.
With most of the city centre reduced to rubble by the 6.3 magnitude earthquake last February, Christchurch's CBD is now facing a complete makeover, with hundreds of damaged buildings to be cleared from the area.
Some heritage buildings will remain to maintain the historical integrity of the city, but most buildings in the CBD will be demolished or undergo extensive renovations.
Director of sales and marketing at boutique hotel The George in Christchurch, Jan Stuart told Travel Today in Christchurch earlier this week that many businesses plan to take the opportunity to incorporate sustainable designs to their operations.
Picnic areas, outdoor areas and alternative designs are other features under consideration, she added.
"We will see Christchurch re-appear as a green city with a fresh look," she said, "We will see cutting edge innovations and a funky new look as cafes, hotels and businesses experiment with cutting-edge designs."
However, with many buildings yet to be demolished and the city centre currently resembling a construction site, doubts surround when the city will resume business as usual.
Staff at The Classic Villa hotel in Christchurch told Travel Today it could be 10-15 years before the reparations are complete. Stuart agreed it would be "many years" before the damage is repaired.
"We're looking at extensive damage in the CBD, so it will be a long time before we see the end result, but Christchurch has been very resilient through all of this, and I have every confidence we will emerge stronger than before," Stuart said.
