Business leaders say a report clearing the land for Christchurch's earthquake-hit central city to be rebuilt on will give people the confidence to return.
The geotechnical report by engineering consultants Tonkin & Taylor has found "no areas within the CBD or adjacent commercial areas were identified as having ground conditions that would preclude rebuilding on those sites".
Numerous central Christchurch buildings have been demolished as a result of damage inflicted in the February 22 earthquake, and many retailers and residents have fled to the suburbs or left the city.
Some, such as property investor Sir Bob Jones, have suggested it is not worth rebuilding the central city.
But local leaders believe this latest report builds on a growing sense of optimism for returning to the area. Christchurch's City Mall reopened in October, using shipping containers for temporary retail space.