The Prime Minister is confident Christchurch's proposed convention centre won't become a white elephant.

Concerns have been raised about the location and economic viability of the key anchor project to be developed in the CBD.

John Key says after speaking with tourism officials last week the current lack of a convention centre in the city is a big issue.

"They want to pull more tourists back into Christchurch. They're starting to build hotels, so you do need a good convention centre, and Christchurch always had one in the centre of town that operated very effectively."

John Key says visitors to the convention centre will be utilising bars and restaurants in the CBD as well.