The city council in Sudbury gave its approval to the Junction East project at the Tuesday night meeting.

The center will include the city's main library, the art gallery, and the multicultural folk arts association under one roof at a cost of $98.5 million.

The price doubled after being $46 million in 2016. Recommendations on the conceptual design, action plan, operating model, and financial plan for the new cultural campus were approved, allowing the detailed design and construction phases to proceed.

Sudbury Mayor Brian Bigger described it as an important landmark. "We all know that we must continue investing in ourselves, strategically renewing our old facilities, and rethinking how to deliver municipal services for the years to come."

Bigger said, "This facility will provide artistic and creative experiences for people of all ages in Greater Sudbury." Bigger said the decision to proceed with the project was welcomed by the council.

It reflects the confidence that I believe people also have in this project.

The building design was first presented to the council in early May after nearly 18 months of research by the city project team.

Patricia Meehan, head of the Sudbury Theatre Centre, said STC is excited about the partnerships that will be formed to increase the programs it can offer to its patrons and its young artists participating in educational programs.

Meehan said, "This project is a beacon for all those who live here, or are thinking of moving, or just coming to visit.

"Arts and culture in this community are alive and well."

The project officer in the city stated that staff will work on the tender documents and drawings needed to issue the construction tender in the first quarter of next year.