The prospect of building a mid-sized, 800-seat theatre in the city won the support of several submitters, including Dr Colin Gibson, of the Really Authentic Gilbert and Sullivan Performance Trust.
Dr Gibson told councillors the city's theatre culture was a drawcard in Otago and Southland, and he supported the initiative. He also asked for an annual grant of $10,000 for his organisation to be lifted to $15,000.
Peter Entwisle also argued the need for a new 800-seat theatre, saying: "There are performances we don't get in Dunedin because we don't have such a facility."
He was aware the city was "heavily committed" with capital works, but suggested $10 million be put in the budget for the new theatre, and $5 million for an upgrade of the Mayfair theatre.
Mr Entwisle had suggested a greenfields site, but was aware of His Majesty's Theatre, owned by Sonny Chin, which could fill the need at a smaller outlay.
Also yesterday, Kings High School assistant principal Bryan Frost asked councillors for a contribution to help cover the cost of the school's performing arts centre, which he said was an asset to the wider city.
The school had taken out a $400,000 mortgage to help cover its $2.5 million share of the theatre project, a joint-venture with Queens High School.
Already, 44 groups had hired the venue in 10 months.
