The Wellington City Council is facing a massive budget blowout because the earthquake strengthening of its town hall is now expected to cost ten-times more than initial estimates.
In 2019, it was thought the work would cost about $32 million to complete, but by May this year, that had blown out to $182 million.
Now, the Council says it may cost an extra $147 million to complete, taking the total price north of $320 million.
For Wellington City with a population of 200,000, that's a cost of $1,600 dollars for every man woman and child in the city.
The mayor, Tory Whanau, declined to be interviewed by Morning Report.
Former Wellington mayor and chair of the fundraising committee Kerry Prendergast spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.
