[6] The Town Hall was originally fronted on the Cuba Street side with a Roman-styled portico and a 150-foot clock tower.

In 1980 the Michael Fowler Centre was built immediately in front of the Town Hall's main entrance in anticipation of the older building's demolition.

[8][9] It has hosted numerous live performances (including The Beatles & The Rolling Stones) as well as fashion shows, debutante balls, political rallies, degree conferrals and at least one episcopal ordination, that of Cardinal John Dew in 1995.

[16] The organ is known for its beautiful sound and was played regularly until being dismantled in 2013 in preparation for earthquake-strengthening work on the Town Hall.

[19][20] In March 2017 Wellington City Council announced its intention to bring the Town Hall up to 100% of the New Zealand building regulations at a cost of $85 million, with construction to begin in 2018 and an aim to re-open in 2021.

[21] As restoration work began, further complexities were uncovered, and increasing costs meant that in February 2019 the council extended the budget to $112 million, with an undisclosed amount of additional contingency.

The extra work required included seismic base isolation to better secure the long term future of the building, while delaying the opening by a further two years.

[3] In 2023, the council agreed to a cost increase to $329 million, due to the poor condition and excessive waterlogging of the reclaimed land under the building.