Wellington Town Hall will close for up to two years for earthquake strengthening, forcing dozens of concerts to find other venues.
The job will begin in the second half of 2013 and will take up to two years to complete.
Mayor Celia Wade-Brown says the work may also mean Wellington City Council will hold its meetings in the community.
She says the earthquake strengthening needs to be completed as soon as possible, but requires a lot of planning.
Ms Wade-Brown says she and about 20 council staff will also need to relocate their offices but there are a number of options available.
The town hall was opened in 1904.