By James Wilkinson in Auckland

An announcement on the new 2500-capacity Christchurch Convention Centre is imminent, something the city is ready to cheer says the head of the Canterbury Convention Bureau.

An artists’ impression of the ‘new’ Avon River
precinct in Christchurch

Speaking exclusively on camera to SPICENEWS at Meetings 2013 in Auckland yesterday (Jun 26), Christchurch and Canterbury Convention Bureau manager Caroline Blanchfield, says an announcement would assist her department in selling large conventions to the city.

In the interview, Blanchfield also spoke about new hotels for the city, and how the region is becoming popular for conferences and meetings once more.

The former Christchurch Convention Centre was demolished in the wake of the February 2011 earthquake that caused significant destruction.

To view the interview, click on the YouTube image above.