 An $18.5 million restoration plan was set out in 1995.However, this was considered worth the risk, as it was estimated the theatre would bring over $3.6 million into the local economy.In 1996, the council gave a $10.7 million contribution towards the restoration plan, in addition to $2.4 million from a Wellington Community Trust grant, $3.5 million from the Lottery Board and over $1 million in donation from the public.