A scaled down model of the future Christchurch will soon be in the works.

CERA's put a request out for tender, for contractors willing to embark on a mission to create 3-D printed models of the city's anchor projects.

Development, design and planning deputy director Don Miskell says the plan is to start with the retail precinct.

"We can add to it later. We can add in the bus interchange, we can add in the justice and emergency precinct. We can built it up like that."

The final project will be put on public display, and measure a total of six metres by six metres.