After seven long years, Westpac is moving back into the Christchurch CBD, and it's hoped other businesses follow suit.

More than 100 staff are moving into a new office in The Terrace today, after being absent from the central city since the earthquakes.

Chamber of Commerce CEO Leanne Watson says it's great to see the bank honour the commitment it made back in 2012 to return

She says it cements certainty in the CBD and she expects other large corporates will follow.

"Once you've got that critical mass in the central city, others will actually go now is a good time to come back in. So it does create that certainty and momentum for others and it really does help with the regeneration of the CBD."

Westpac says the safety of staff and customers was a big consideration in its move.

Its new office is specifically designed for the wellbeing of staff and is fully earthquake code compliant.

Watson says it's understandable why it took so long for them to return.

"Some of those offices have been delayed for various reasons. That is part of the challenge for organisations who have wanted to come back earlier but these developments have taken a little bit longer."

The Terrace sits on rolling foundations that will move during an earthquake, making it resilient and safe.

Watson says the development is a huge boost.

"I think as we're heading into the summer, we will see that populated a even more so that'll be a real asset for the city and will get people back in to experiencing the central city a bit more."