Demolition work on Beckenham’s earthquake-damaged shops could started in late December. These builders were very damaged with most of their frontage fell down from the first quake and then the following two weeks nailed the last nail in their coffins.

The Colombo St shops were badly damaged during the September 4 quake, with most of businesses forced to find new premises.

The Christchurch City Council said talks with the owners of the damaged buildings and their insurance companies were going well, with a demolition and repair plan close to completion.