The eight-month restoration of the historic Kyneton Town Hall is set to be completed this month.
Mayor Jennifer Anderson said the Mollison Street building was one of the most substantial regional shire halls in Victoria.
“The municipality of Kyneton was founded in October 1857 and the history of Kyneton Shire Hall is one of fascinating challenges, competing uses and the influence of the introduction of ‘talking movies’,” she said.
“A unique combination of 1877-1878 offices and 1929 hall/picture theatre main body, which results in a street façade that dates from both eras and yet appears to have been built as one, these civic buildings in the heart of the town have been at the centre of local government for more than 110 years.
“I am delighted that in partnership with the federal government we have been able to restore our Shire Hall to its former glory and that it will be not only a functional council building but its historical value and influence will be appreciated by many generations to come.”
Renovation works included repainting the exterior façade in heritage colours, restoration of render and architectural elements, works to the chimneys, and repair and replacement of downpipes around the building.
They also saw the repair of eaves on the south side of the building, replacement of awnings to the exterior of the theatre balcony exits, restoration works to windows, roof works, and additional façade lighting.
The restoration works were made possible with Macedon Ranges Shire Council’s allocation of $632,000 and $300,000 from the federal government’s Local Roads and Community Infrastructure program.
