The public have been given access to Cathedral Square on Tuesday for the first time in two years after the central city rebuild zone cordon was reduced.
The change is part of ongoing cordon reductions in earthquake-hit Christchurch.
A pedestrian walkway opened at 11am from Worcester Street Bridge to Cathedral Square, along with parts of High Street.
However, access to Cathedral Square will be temporary, as it is expected to close again for further demolition work.
Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Minister Gerry Brownlee says the cordon has been reduced by 349 hectares since the February 2011 earthquake.
Mr Brownlee said the ongoing reductions are possible because of work to remove hazardous buildings.
The rebuild zone cordon and army checkpoints are expected to be removed by June this year.
However, fencing would remain in place around many demolition and construction worksites.
