Part of the cordon on Wellington's Molesworth Street could be lifted next week.

LISTEN ABOVE: Wellington Mayor Justin Lester spoke to Mike Hosking

Physical demolition of the condemned office block has yet to start, but a 100 tonne excavator is ready to tear it down as soon as services get switched off.

Council manager of building compliance and consents Mike Scott says when the damaged part of the building is removed, businesses can start getting back to normal.

"We'll be able to start partially removing the actual barrier and hopefully opening up a couple of the buildings by next weekend so that they can actually start Molesworth St partially open."

Wellington Mayor Justin Lester hopes the hundreds of people who've been cordoned out of their homes will be able to return before Christmas.

Cordons around unsafe buildings on Tennyson, Molesworth and Tory streets have meant around 300 people aren't allowed in their apartments.

Mr Lester told Mike Hosking there are scores of people staying with friends and family.

He hopes people can get back into their accommodation, within a month.

The Wellington City Council is keen to give building owners the hurry up when it comes to completing earthquake strengthening work.

From July next year, local bodies will be given the power to halve the time building owners have for earthquake strengthening work, from 15 to seven and a half years.

Mayor Justin Lester said there's a small number of building owners who can't afford upgrades or don't have the wherewithal so they want to help them.

He said they want to weed out the buildings that need strengthening, he doesn't want a city where it's not safe to walk around.

Repairs to the damaged Wellington's Westpac Stadium are underway.

Last weekend's Wellington Phoenix match at the stadium had to be postponed after engineers reported earthquake damage.

Stadium chief executive Shane Harmon said burst water pipes and broken windows have already been replaced.

"Building's moved a lot, which it is designed to do, but with that movement you get some cracking and concrete chipping. That's been the main focus this week making sure these are all cleaned out and repaired."

Mr Harmon said repairs will be done in time for next month's Keith Urban and Carrie Underwood concert.

"And barring, touch wood, no further major incidents between now and then we're certainly on track to be back for that concert."

Wellington City Council’s Civic Administration Building in Civic Square is to remain closed.

The six-storey building built in the 90s showed signs of movement in last week's quake, but didn't suffer obvious structural damage.

Council chief executive Kevin Lavery said engineers need to have a closer look at the structure before the building is reopened.

That means tearing up floors and ceilings to get to it.

Those who work in the building have been transferred to others or are working from home.