Dunedin City Council has approved a $45 million redevelopment of the town hall and adjoining Dunedin Centre complex.
The council was forced to abandon its original design last year in the face of overwhelming public opposition, but on Monday approved a revised version.
Neil Collins was the only councillor to vote against the upgrade, saying the design is unattractive and too expensive.
But the revised plans have been well received by the public.
The town hall will have a new cube-shaped glass entranceway on Moray Place, with access for the disabled.
Harrop Street, which runs adjacent to the town hall and the Dunedin Centre, will become a pedestrian walkway.
The Harrop Street car park will be converted into a green public space.
Construction should be complete by the end of 2011.
