Final Designs for Upgrade of Historic Town Hall Released
Published on 07 April 2022
A more welcoming and inviting space is one of the key features of the final design for the upgrade to the historic Footscray Town Hall, as part of the multi-million dollar Civic and Community Precinct Project.
The plan recognises and incorporates many of the elements the community has told Council are important including:
- A second entry through the original grand front doors off Napier Street, to complement the main entry off Hyde Street
- An open and inviting forum area inside the main entry with mezzanine access to the first-floor meeting rooms
- Incorporation of sustainable design elements, especially in the use of materials that can be delivered within heritage constraints
- Refurbishing and opening up meeting space on the ground floor of the heritage building to accommodate a variety of community activities – from talks, formal lessons, recreation, workshops to celebrations
- Creating a new community park at the Hyde Street entrance for the community to enjoy.
The interior fit-out of the meeting rooms, which will be made available for community use, are still being finalised. Landscaping for the new outdoor park is also still to be finalised, with opportunity for the community to continue to provide guidance on how it might look and be used.
Mayor, Cr Anthony Tran, said Council has heard the community calls for an attractive, accessible and inviting outdoor space that will provide shade and places to sit, with native or edible plantings as part of the design.
“We’ve heard in particular your preference for a space for relaxing with friends and family with soft surfaces where you can picnic and children can play that is readily accessible especially for those who wish to walk or cycle there. You also want good canopy cover that will provide shade in summer – potentially using deciduous trees that will also let the sun shine through in winter, and plenty of places to sit,” he added.
“Be sure to let us know which of these ideas you particularly like and share any new ones with us, so we can be sure the final design reflects your needs.”
You can view the designs and share your ideas, along with any memories of the Town Hall, at www.yourcityyourvoice.com.au/civic-precinct
An expression of interest process is now underway to attract companies interested in undertaking the works which will also see the demolition of the community services building on the Hyde Street frontage along with the existing office building to provide for the new extended open space sometime around the third quarter of this year.
A new six-star Green Star administration building that will deliver lower operating costs, electricity and water consumption, and improved health and well-being of the occupants, will be built towards the rear of the site ready for the re-opening of the renovated Town Hall in 2024.
Maribyrnong News
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