An Auckland Councillor says the Council made a mistake buying a building that's going to need $31 million worth of repairs.

The recladding for the council's new headquarters in Albert Street was going to cost $4 million, but the cost has ballooned.

SEE ALSO: Cost of Auckland Council building continues to grow

Councillor Dick Quax said the council has absolutely made a mistake by buying the building.

"It's cost us well over $150 million, when we should have leased a building and not be stuck with this problem."

Mr Quax said the council should use the money "to provide the vital infrastructure that we're always complaining that we don't have enough of in Auckland".

LISTEN ABOVE: Councillor Dick Quax speaks to Leighton Smith