Under-demolition central Christchurch may be losing its skyline but it has gained a temporary mountain as a result.

This massive pile of rubble, on the corner of Colombo and Gloucester streets, is all that remains of the Farmers parking building after about three months of demolition work.

The department store complex was condemned because of damage sustained in the February 2011 earthquake.

Nikau Contractors South Island managing director Helina Stil said the foundations were yet to come up, but the project was likely to be completed and the site cleared within the next 10 days.

About 6000 cubic metres of concrete and steel from the building would be recycled, she said.

The land has been earmarked for a convention centre in the Government's central-city blueprint.

A Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Authority spokeswoman said the Colombo/Gloucester streets area would reopen after any remaining major works in the area were completed.

However, no decisions had been made on the future of some buildings including the Forsyth Barr, Copthorne and Town Hall.

- © Fairfax NZ News

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