Prime Minister Bill English spoke to media in Christchurch today, and announced the contract for the planned Christchurch Convention Centre had been awarded to CPB contractors.

Mr English said the company had been awarded the $240 million contract to complete the design and construction of the centre.

He said it was expected to bring in more than $300m to the city over the next eight years.

With him was Greater Christchurch Regeneration Minister Nicky Wagner who said part of the plan was that the centre would pay for itself.

He also spoke about the disarray among opposition parties.