Four fire crews have been at the scene of a workshop fire in Sydenham.

Emergency services received the call at 8.50AM in the morning to what was initially described as a car on fire at premises on Coleridge Street.

Fire and Emergency Shift Manager Alex Norris said crews from Sydenham were first to arrive, before additional support was requested from Christchurch City and Wigram stations.

The fire was at the rear of the building and was brought under control.

Thick black smoke was seen rising across the central city.