Christchurch's New Brighton Pier could be closed for up to a year and a half so its earthquake damage can be repaired.

The $11 million works will happen alongside repairs to the New Brighton library which will be closed for six months.

City Services General Manager David Adamson said staff are hopeful part of the pier can stay open while the repairs take place.

"We are investigating possibilities of keeping it open but obviously from an efficiency point of view and a safety point of view it may need closing for that period."

Mr Adamson said they're still planning to run events like kite-day and Guy Fawkes that draw people into the area.

"We're hoping the impact in the short term is not too major, and obviously in the long term it will be to the advantage of everyone, because we've got a structure that's going to last many decades."

David Adamson said the council is currently investigating how to give New Brighton residents access to library services while the building is closed.

The repairs will begin in Spring.