Several Wellington City Council members are having second thoughts about earthquake-strengthening the Town Hall.
The council had earlier agreed in principle to do work to the 109-year-old building, but many councillors are now baulking at the $43 million cost.
Chief executive Kevin Lavery told councillors on Tuesday that the money would not produce an economic return and would do nothing to improve facilities or the capital's ability to attract events from other centres.
Mr Lavery said the cost would be the same as the council's share of extending runway extensions at Wellington airport, which would produce more jobs.
A decision on whether to proceed with strengthening is part of the council's annual plan deliberations.
Discussion began on Wednesday morning but the Town Hall question was delayed by extensive debate on other matters and will be debated on Thursday.
