The St Albans community centre was demolished after the 2011 earthquakes.
The new centre will be built on the site of the original building on Caledonian Rd.
Papanui-Innes Community Board deputy chairperson Emma Norrish said the design was created by a working group of community members.
The new building would have 400sqm of floor space, a multi-purpose meeting hall, two meeting rooms, and an outdoor space and kitchen.
It is expected to cost $3.1 million, including the purchase of an adjacent section.
Norrish said it would be good to have a purpose-built facility that would be well used.
St Albans Residents Association chairperson Emma Twaddell said her group had been using the local tennis club as a community space over the last few years.
She said the new building would facilitate a healthy and vibrant community.