The Hague city council has agreed to put €181m into a controversial project to develop a new theatre complex next to city hall.

The money will either go towards the new building, known as the Spuiforum, or renovating the existing theatres which will otherwise be demolished.

A final decision on the project, which has been criticised by locals and councillors because of the cost, will be taken in September. According to the NRC, seven out of 10 people in The Hague have described the plan as ‘meglomaniac’ at a time when spending is being cut.

The new development, described as a ‘palace of culture’ in city council documentation, will be home to the Residentie Orkest and the Nederlands Danstheater as well as the city’s conservatory music school. If it goes ahead the Spuiforum will be completed in 2018.