Rejuvenating Albany's iconic Town Hall

23 January 2019

Albany City Council’s vision to activate and revitalise the city centre will continue this year with the repurposing and rejuvenation of the historic Albany Town Hall.

The public will have a chance to learn more about the project at three community information sessions starting next week and an information display at Albany Public Library from February 1 to 28.

Concept designs approved by the State Heritage Council will pave the way for conservation works to strengthen the heritage fabric of the Town Hall as a Victorian Free Classical building that is iconic to Albany’s architectural history.

Mayor Dennis Wellington said it was an exciting project to preserve the heritage and character of the Town Hall, while bringing it into the 21st century and making it more accessible to the community.

“The Town Hall has an incredibly rich history and is a very important building to Albany and the State, but it is underutilised and urgently needs attention. It’s our vision to give the Town Hall a new lease of life and see the building opened and being used 364 days of the year,” he said.

Added to the State Register of Heritage Places in 1996, the last renovations to the Town Hall were in 1983 and this latest project will return the building to its former glory of 1888.

Chief Executive Officer Andrew Sharpe said works will include replacing the old asbestos roof, a new lift for improved access, and internal improvements like modern electrical and technology for contemporary use, including a temperature controlled storage space.

“The upstairs area will return to a flat floor like it was over a century ago, and many other original features will be reinstated too including a proscenium arch, wooden floors, window features, stone work, and entry bringing the building back to its original form,” he said.

The community can find out more about the upgrades by attending one of the Community Information Sessions with City staff at the Town Hall on Thursday, January 31 from 5.30pm – 7.00pm, Saturday, February 2 from 10am – 2pm, and Saturday, February 9 from 10am – 2pm.

“We have already received support and comments from the City’s Community Advisory Group, Elected Members and a range of key stakeholders, so we’re really excited to now be able to share this with everyone,” Mr Sharpe said.

The City of Albany thanks Lotterywest for making the Town Hall enhancements possible with a $1 million grant along with $600,000 towards improvements planned for Alison Hartman Gardens.