It has also called for a report on ongoing funding on the justification on what money will be needed and what it would be spent on.

Council made the decision at last Wednesday night’s meeting that it will raise a loan to buy the former Water Board headquarters for $500,000.

Cessnock Regional Art Gallery’s future was in doubt earlier this year when its major benefactor withdrew support and may have had to close its doors but for $39,000 voted by council so it could continue to function until June 30.

Last Wednesday night’s decision ensures the future of the gallery.

In March, Cr. Neil Gorman was supported in a motion that council, in part, prepare a report on the advisability of buying the building and assessing any long term involvement and any financial benefits if it owned the building.

Cr. Gorman, who moved the motion that council buy the building, said that council is in a position where it needs to make decisions on if it is a "roads and rubbish council" or one that looks at broader schemes where it has a responsibility towards cultural events.

“We have the opportunity to make a good value purchase, it is good business sense," he said.

He said buying the building is well within council’s borrowing limits and most galleries throughout NSW are run by councils.

Cr. James Ryan’s amendment said that council had the opportunity to buy a landmark building.

Cr. Bob Pynsent said he has no problem with council buying the building but was concerned there is no management plan in place.

Cr. Cordelia Burcham said an art gallery is an important cultural asset for the city and council business should not be all about potholes and roads.

Deputy Mayor, Cr. Ian Olsen, was the only councillor to vote against council buying the building.

He said he believes in responsible management and looking after ratepayers’ money, while council is prepared to borrow half a million dollars without a management plan.

He said the money would be better spent on other things in the city, adding that people he has asked about the purchase would prefer the money spent on roads.