Christchurch residents will be able to say how they want the central city rebuilt at a two-day forum next month.

The community expo, to be held at the CBS Canterbury Arena on May 14 and 15, will ask residents to share their ideas on how to tackle the massive project.

The Christchurch City Council has been charged with leading the inner-city recovery. The expo will be one of the first chances residents have to share their ideas on shaping the central city.

Mayor Bob Parker said he wanted as many people there as possible.

"We need everyone's ideas if we are to create a central city where people want to live, work and play," he said.

"The economic and social success of Christchurch relies on us having a vibrant and prosperous central city, and we can only have that if everyone shares their ideas."

Parker said there would be a range of views. From this "wealth of ideas", a draft plan would be crafted to reflect the city's vision.

Residents had until the end of June to share their ideas before the draft plan was released for public feedback.

The final plan would be given to the Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Authority in December for sign-off, Parker said.