Newcastle councillors have voted to go ahead with the $21-million upgrade of the Art Gallery.
Both the Federal Government and council have committed $7-million to the project, and council will now be pushing the State Government to commit to its third share by the end of February 2013.
Without the State Government funding ratepayers will foot the bill.
Meanwhile, there will be relief for inner-city shoppers with a free two-month parking trial in the CBD approved by councillors last night.
The trial will begin on the 10 December, continuing through until Australia Day.
