The Town Hall, central library and municipal office building all need earthquake strengthening.
The Town Hall's original 43 million estimate has jumped to 112 million dollars, and the preferred option for the library clocks in at 200 million.
Now it's been revealed strengthening the former municipal office building has rise from 40 million dollars to 84 million .... in the space of a year.
Councillor Iona Pannett says the buildings are critical to Wellington's identity.
She says a capital city needs a strong civic heart, and these building have tremendous historical significance.