The work is part of an estimated $300,000 overhaul of the reception area prompted by security concerns for council staff.
Final work in the reception area was being completed but the secure access way into the building, in Stafford St, was finished.
Staff had been issued with electronic entry "tags", and public access was restricted to the foyer area.
Chief executive Graeme Martin told a recent council committee meeting it was important for risk management that entry and exit to the building be secure.
"It's a harsh reality. We have to manage our risk for theft, or our ACC levies."
Corporate services director Wayne Scott said planning and design for the use of space created by the council vacating its meeting chamber was under way.
Consultants had been hired to assist with heating, ventilation, lighting and acoustics as the intention was to keep the area open plan.
Work was expected to start once the work on reception was complete.
