DANVILLE, Va. – Danville City Council has voted to move forward with a plan to relocate the police department to the former Dan River Executive Office complex off Memorial Drive, provided voters pass the casino referendum on Nov. 3.

Approval came after a lengthy discussion at Tuesday night’s council meeting. Councilman Madison Whittle voted against the proposal, while James Buckner abstained.

The vote solidifies support for a lease-purchase agreement for the new police headquarters, which would undergo a $17 million facelift and expansion. The developer plans to use historic tax credits to lower the cost of the renovation of the existing building, which will include a combination of historic restoration and new construction for an annex to the existing building.

If the casino referendum fails, the agreement is null and void.