The central city was among the most heavily damaged areas of Christchurch following the 2010 Canterbury earthquake . Many building façades collapsed into the streets and authorities cordoned off large areas of the central city following the event . Manchester Courts , the tallest commercial building in Christchurch when it was built in 1905 – 06 and a Category I heritage building suffered serious structural damage and was the first major building that was demolished , with the demolition finishing just days before the 2011 Christchurch earthquake
2010 Canterbury earthquake
2010 Canterbury earthquake
Christchurch Central City