By Dominic Welling.

Christchurch International Airport (CIAL) is helping to re-house local businesses on airport land, after February's devastating earthquake flattened the city's central business district.

The gateway is building temporary offices near the airport terminal to help cope with a high demand for business premises following the disaster.

In March, the New Zealand government pledged to relocate Christchurch's central business district to the edges of the city after the earthquake destroyed almost a quarter of the centre's office buildings.

A 6.3 magnitude earthquake struck 10 kilometres south-east of the centre of Christchurch on New Zealand's South Island on 22 February killing a total of 181 people.

The earthquake also caused widespread damage to buildings and infrastructure in Christchurch, especially in the centre and eastern suburbs.

However, due to its location 12 km northwest of the city centre, the airport was largely unaffected by the earthquake and remained operational throughtout the crisis.

Due to be completed in eight weeks, the first stage of the airport development will consist of an 800sqm building.

Apollo projects will be in charge of the construction of the initial offices, which will then be occupied by travel company, House of Travel, and accommodate 120 employees.

Blair Forgie, general manager property and commercial at Christchurch International Airport, says: "CIAL has worked with House of Travel and Apollo Projects to achieve an efficient and cost-effective construction programme and deliver a purpose-built design and fit-out for the House of Travel.

"Our aim is to build fast and to a high standard, so that businesses have the premises they need without compromise."

In addition, the airport is currently working with potential tenants for a further 3,000sqm of development.

Meanwhile, all the units in the temporary office precinct will be available for up to five years.

Forgie adds: "This is one of our ways of helping out with the earthquake, we look forward to welcoming businesses to the airport site for the short-term."

A 6.3 magnitude earthquake struck 10 kilometres south-east of the centre of Christchurch on New Zealand's South Island on 22 February this year killing a total of 181 people.

The earthquake caused widespread damage across Christchurch, especially in the central city and eastern suburbs.

However, the airport is located 12 km northwest of the city centre and was largely unaffected by the earthquake.