Wellington, Sept 6 NZPA - A quake-damaged building has partially collapsed in the Christchurch suburb of St Albans.

The building, on the corner of Westminster and Cranford Streets, began to crumple about noon, fire southern communications shift manager Andrew Norris said.

"Police had a unit going past just as it happened and they managed to stop and block the road," he said.

There were no reported injuries.

Urban Search and Rescue (USR) were arranging for the building to be demolished, he said.

Inspector John Price said safety was paramount and people should steer clear of the building.

"Cordons may vary depending on the weather conditions and possible aftershocks. As civil engineers and USR teams move through the city further buildings may be deemed to be at risk," he said.

Mr Price also issued a warning to the "small number of people interfering with taped off areas and removing safety cones.

"Removal prevents the protection and safety of everyone."