The families of victims killed in the Lindt Cafe siege say they want people to be able to return to Martin Place and “smile again” when the cafe reopens in March.

A permanent memorial will be established in Martin Place to pay tribute to Lindt Cafe manager Tori Johnston and lawyer Katrina Dawson, the two hostages killed in the siege.

Work is underway to restore the building which has been boarded up since December after gunman Man Haron Monis took over the cafe in a 16-hour standoff which ended with police shooting him dead.

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Ms Dawson’s husband Paul Smith said he wanted to eventually return to the site with the couple’s three children.

“Katrina loved Lindt chocolate and established a tradition of visiting the Lindt cafe almost every day with her friends and family,” Mr Smith said.

“Although it will be difficult at first, we hope to be able in time to return to the Lindt cafe so that her children can continue to experience one of Katrina’s great joys.”

Workers repair the Lindt Cafe following the siege. Photo: AAP

Mr Johnson’s partner Thomas Zinn said the cafe was a place for happiness for Mr Johnson after discovering his passion for chocolate while living in Switzerland.

“Tori loved to express his creativity by sitting together with the Maitre Chocolatier and working on new chocolate creations,” Mr Zinn said in a statement.

“He always had so much pleasure in making other people happy or put a smile on their face.

“We would like for people to return to Martin Place and smile again.”

Lindt Australia chief executive officer Steve Loane said the company would work with staff and families of the victims to determine what type of memorial would be built.

Mr Loane said some cafe staff had indicated they wanted to return to work, but said they could decide closer to the store’s reopening.

“The last few weeks have been like a rollercoaster [of] emotion for everybody, but they were really positive… it’s been amazing how strong they’ve been.

“But we’ve put no pressure on them and they can make their decisions closer to the date on how much involvement they want.”

– with AAP, ABC