"Really, it needs to be a mix that is versatile and multifunctional."
Extending the new centre would cost more than the initial $3.6 million budgeted and that funding would need to come from outside sources, not from the council.
However, in saying that Mr Watson said community support for the new centre had been very positive.
Architect Chris Kelly from Architectural Workshop in Wellington said the new centre would take up the Bridge St and Criterion St corner.
The Bulls community would need to raise $100,000 towards the project, Mr Watson said.
"Work on the building can't start until 70 per cent of that community money is raised and 70 per cent of the national funding obtained,"he said.
The aim at this point was to begin the building early next year, he said.
Criticism of the size of the new hall which, in the plan, is narrower than the original hall, could well hold up progress, he said.
The new hall would be able to fit 240 people but community groups and schools wanted a venue that could accommodate 500.
"Extra funding will need to be found. Then we'll see."