Gerry Brownlee admits the uncertainty over the Christchurch Convention Centre has been a thorn in the city's side.

Following years of negotiations, it's now been revealed crown-owned Otakaro Limited will take over the anchor project.

SEE ALSO: Brownlee: Progress will not be seen with Convention Centre

It will use design plans developed with private company Plenary Conventions New Zealand.

It means the flagging project may finally get off the ground and be ready for 2019.

Greater Christchurch Regeneration Minister Gerry Brownlee told Mike Hosking it hasn't been easy for anyone with the Convention Centre.

"Throughout the last five years, there's been public angst about the speed and pace of recovery. But in the end you just have to look at it and say we're not doing something for next year or the year after - we're doing something for decades and decades and decades out."

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