A sign shows three levels of government supporting a new art gallery in Saskatoon. (CBC)

Saskatoon politicians are being asked to approve a $58-million centre with an art gallery as part of a major riverfront development.

A report goes to city council Monday night on the proposed Destination Centre at River Landing, south of the downtown. The development would include the planned Saskatchewan Art Gallery — replacing the existing Mendel Art Gallery north of the downtown — as the anchor attraction.

The proposed centre, beside the Persephone Theatre facing south toward the South Saskatchewan River, would include a community art studio, lecture theatre, dressing rooms, gift shop, restaurant and the administrative offices for River Landing.

The $58-million estimate compares with $51 million cited by officials in September, an increase attributed to the addition of an underground parking garage to the project.

About $26 million would be paid from provincial and federal infrastructure programs. The other $32 million would come from private donations and the City of Saskatoon.

Controversy over the plan to relocate Saskatoon's most important art gallery has been brewing for years.

Some people say it's better to maintain and expand the Mendel Art Gallery in its present location under the existing name. But others say the Mendel building is too old and too small, and it would be better to build a new structure.