Once built the Riverside Apartments will be the tallest residential building in the city at 17-storeys high. It will be accompanied by a second tower at the Sturt Street site at a much smaller six-storeys.

Now with Wagga City Council's support, Fitzpatricks Real Estate director Shaun Lowry said the goal will be to start construction near the end of this year.

"Getting the approval by council was a major component, but the rest now will follow. There is a process to unfold and more sales to make," he said.

"We are going out there approaching people, others are inquiring daily and it is heading in the right direction."

The high-rise includes 67 residential units and three ground floor commercial spaces, two facing the street and one facing the riverside, as well as parking for 91 cars.

Wagga councillor Rod Kendall said this high-rise building will be the first of its kind for Wagga and will pave the way for future developments of significant height, particularly in the central business district.

Up until now, Cr Kendall said Wagga was dominated by low to medium rise buildings.

"This will be an iconic building in this city," he said.

Cr Tim Koschel said the city was changing and its buildings must change with the times.

"We need to look at where the city is moving. This building can move Wagga forward ... [and] help us in growing towards a population of 100,000," he said.

Although Cr Paul Funnell supported the project, he said it was important to acknowledge the traffic congestion problems in the area, which is likely to worsen once the development is built.

However he applauded the developer, who went through an "exhaustive process" to compromise on its final design.

Cr Vanessa Keenan said the plans will become a catalyst for diversifying future developments, as well as embracing the significant asset at the heart of the city, the river.

"Future growth and development in that area is full of opportunities," she said.

Cr Dan Hayes said infill development like the Riverside Apartments will help revitalise the city's main street with more people living closer to its pubs and cafes.

Cr Dallas Tout said they need to ensure measures were in place to mitigated the risk of accidents in and around Cadell Place. He said he was thankful to hear residents of the one bedroom units will not have access to a car space, which he believes could change behaviours to favour active travel options.

Councillors unanimously supported the high-rise development. Mayor Greg Conkey declared a conflict and did not vote.