Wellington's mayor says scrapping the controversial Golden Mile project would be relatively easy, but they want to act in good faith.

Councillors voted 12-4 to hold fire, after warnings the project could balloon to $220 million up from the 2021 budget of $160 million.

Doing up Courtney Place could cost up to $25 million more than approved.

Andrew Little says there's no contract or exit costs - but there's an agreement with NZTA. 

"We actually need to maintain that relationship with NZTA, we've got some big projects scheduled for Wellington now too."

LISTEN ABOVE

• Council pauses Wellington's Golden Mile revamp after staff warn of cost blowout