Fredericton city council has voted to spend $150,000 on a five-month lease for a downtown building to ensure its zoning as a possible strip club expires.

The former iRock location in Fredericton had an exotic dancing licence, making it the last 'non-conforming' use in the city. (Google Street View) The former iRock property, located at 329 and 339 King St., is the last place in the city where exotic dance has been permitted.

"Council feels it is critical to take this action to protect against the negative impacts and behaviours that are associated with establishments that offer exotic dancing entertainment," the city said in a statement on Monday night.

"This will protect the long-term quality of life in the downtown, protect the long-term property values in the downtown, and minimize long term policing/social costs that can be associated with establishments of this kind," the statement said.

The move is consistent with the City Centre Plan, it added.

City staff are currently looking into what the community or city could use the building for during the five-month period.