A long-running community hub in Wellington's Mt Victoria is facing possible closure after the Wellington City Council Grants Subcommittee voted not to renew its funding for the coming financial year.

Supporters say they were "blindsided" by the decision, having operated the centre for more than a decade with the same level of council support. Councillor Nicola Young defended the move, labelling the hub a "legacy project" whose time had passed.

The board says it will appeal and is exploring philanthropic funding to keep the doors open. "This is where the suburb meets," chair Tom Whitford said. "It's classes, repair cafes, the after-school programme. You don't replace that with a line item."

Council officers said the decision was made on "contestable funding criteria" and did not reflect the hub's value to the community.