Hamilton City Council has committed in principle to spend $30 million as the city's contribution to the proposed new Waikato Regional Theatre, despite concerns over the rising cost.
The regional theatre is planned for the site of the old Hamilton Hotel in Victoria Street and will connect with the Waikato River.
The public will now be asked for input on the plan. Consultation will be during October and November and the results will be reported back to council on December 14.
The estimated price tag of the new theatre is $85 million, with the project being led by Momentum Waikato.
The majority of councillors back the new building, however, Cr Mallett raised concerns about rising costs. The vote to proceed was carried 10 in favour and one against, with Cr Mallett not supporting it.
"Even in the space of three to four months, this has doubled in price," Cr Mallett said.
"We are now talking about $85 million, plus Founders. Six months ago most of us sort of chuckled if we considered that we were going to have two theatres, and now Founders is live again."
Councillor Mallett also echoed concerns raised by Councillor Siggi Henry that an unfinished theatre due to a lack of funding would fall back on the council.
"If there is a three quarters finished theatre, we can't stop finishing it. We'll have to finish or we'll look like absolute clowns if we don't.
"I think we're about to sign off on this council's V8."
Councillor Angela O'Leary said the line in the sand for the council had been set at $30 million, and no more.
Councillor Geoff Taylor supported the new regional theatre, however he was concerned about having both Founders and the regional theatre operating.
"At some stage sentimentality is going to have to give way," Cr Taylor said.
Councillor Paula Southgate wanted concerns raised by the public to be addressed now.
"I do expect the concerns raised in public feedback to be addressed, these can be addressed through the design process," Cr Southgate said.
"Some of those are access, parking, safety and the affordability of smaller groups to be able to use some of these things."