THE show must go on, Tamworth Regional Council has declared.
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Last night, the council approved two of the biggest projects in the city's history.
The councillors unanimously voted in favour of the $128m business case for a new performing arts centre.
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The council also approved the Blueprint 100 planning document which maps out how the city will cater for a population of 100,000 people in the coming decades.
It was the council's last meeting for the year; one defined by a devastating drought, but the decisions made might be seen as a confident message about Tamworth's future.
"It's now showtime, Mr Mayor," Glenn Inglis said in support of the performing arts centre proposal.
He received applause from an overflowing gallery filled with the city's theatrical community.
"To be, or not to be," Cr Inglis asked.
"I say, and the community says, the performing arts and cultural precinct, is to be."
He was backed by deputy mayor Phil Betts.
He said this was one of the iconic moments in Tamworth's history.
Cr Betts said it would be "just as visionary" as the city's decision to pursue electric street lighting in 1888 and the establishment of AELEC.
"Where we have gone in the last few decades in inspiring," he said.
Charles Impey, who works as a high school careers advisor, said this project had the capability to stop kids leaving town and attract people from around the world.
The project has already already received some rave reviews from the community.
The council had overwhelming support for the project when it was put out for community consultation.
There was 74 submissions received with more than 94 per cent in favour of the project.
The other major decision from the meeting might have some harsher critics.
The Blueprint 100 document will go on public exhibition in February.
Its timing has been met with criticism as some wondered why accelerated population growth was on the agenda in the midst of a stifling drought.
Cr Inglis said the city would grow to 100,000 people eventually so the council had to "plan for the eventuality".