Wellington's Town Hall could collapse and kill people in the event of a big earthquake - so the council's keeping it closed.

During oral submissions on the council's long term plan - the city council was asked why the yellow stickered building wasn't being used.

Other yellow stickered buildings like the Opera House and St James Theatre are.

Mayor Celia Wade-Brown says the civic building poses much more risk in a big shake.

"It's reasonably foreseeable that in a moderate earthquake the Town Hall could collapse and cause death or injury."

Mayor Celia Wade-Brown says a new plan to upgrade the hall, which includes working with the Victoria University School of Music, and the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra, should get the nod from the council.