Christchurch Dilemmas: Has the heart returned to the city?

Six years since Christchurch's deadly magnitude 6.3 earthquake, has the heart and energy of the people returned to the city?

A video released as part of the Christchurch Dilemmas series showcases Christchurch and its rebuild six years on.

The documentary makers spent a Friday evening walking through the city's nightlife hub to see if residents had rejuvenated the city's vibe.

In 2010, there were 276 alcohol-licensed premises in the central city. Now there are just 130 in the central city since the earthquakes.

Smash Palace Bar owner Johnny Moore said the majority of punters now officers workers wanting a drink after a long week.

"There's a sea of high-vis vests coming up the street each Friday evening now which works well."

Moore believes there needs to be a push to attract residents into town, saying if you "get the residents the rest takes care of itself."

The strain of the earthquakes was felt by hospitality owners with many having to close down. Retired bar owner James Jameson indicated the slow rebuild was a factor to his cafe of three years closing in 2015.

"Financially it stretched me beyond what was comfortable. The rebuild was too slow."

With 18 new liquor licences granted in the last 12 months there is growing optimism residents will flock back to town.

Funded by NZ On Air, the documentary's producer said the series aimed to "energise residents to participate in their own recovery".