A second proposal will also see the names of the Ararat Regional Art Gallery and Ararat Performing Arts Centre changed under a rebranding plan.

Work could start as soon as March if councillors approve the release of the tender for the 12 month project.

Council chief executive Andrew Evans said it was an important step for a project that would leave a legacy for Ararat.

“This is our building that will still be here in 100 to 150 years time,” he said.

“We are absolutely over the moon – this is our pyramid.

“This opportunity to develop that, to bring it into the digital age and get all these improvements done in line with heritage requirements.

“It is incredibly important for the community.”

Mr Evans said expressions of interest for the project had already been received by council.

“It will go out to a public tender process once it has been approved, and that will include people who have expressed an interest and anyone else who wants to put in a tender,” he said.

“We are hoping to have the information back in February, then go to the commencement of works in March.”

The project has been jointly funded by council and the state, and federal governments.

Williams Boag Architects has worked with the project control group to present three designs to council.

The plans were presented to a community information session in February and the Victorian Design Review Panel.

Another information session is also planned as part as the project’s design development.

Also on the agenda is the motion to rename the performing arts centre the Ararat Regional Theatre.

The same proposal would see the gallery renamed the Ararat Gallery – a title it held from 1968 to 2005 – and the performing arts precinct renamed the Ararat Cultural Precinct.

The name changes aim to provide a simpler tag for people top refer to the Ararat Town Hall’s amenities.