Replacement of broken windows:
Work has commenced on the Civic Hall. On Thursday Glaziers were spotted replacing the windows of the western side of the Main Hall. After so many years of neglect this is a large undertaking that will take time. Save Civic Hall believes that this work shows a genuine commitment by Council prepare the hall for future use by the community.
The Participatory Design Process has officially concluded:
http://www.thecourier.com.au/story/3767415/design-process-dead/?cs=62
As reported in today’s Courier Saturday 5th March, The Participatory Design Process has officially concluded in the Foyer of the Civic Hall. We thank Here Studio and their staff for collecting and synthesizing all the information and data relating to people’s memories, views on the future uses and expectations of the Civic Hall.
Here Studio did a wonderful job during their consultation and occupation of the hall’s foyer, encouraging all members of the community to visit and share their thoughts and opinions. Some valuable information was collected and can be used in any further development of the hall. Thanks must also go the the public of Ballarat and District for embracing the Community Consultation and sharing their memories and aspirations.
The final five concepts were developed by Here Studio and presented to Council who in turn accompanied Here Studio to the Victorian Design Review Panel (Victorian Architect). In the below report from VDRP it was suggested that the final 5 design concepts were not viable and made further recommendations to further explore the 5 concepts.. Council have now moved to the final stage are in the process of developing one design.
Save Civic Hall members of the Partnership Group will continue in an advisory capacity to achieve an appropriate outcome for the future use of the Ballarat Civic hall.
The January 2016 report from the Victorian Design Review Panel:
60th Anniversary of the Opening of The Civic Hall…20th August 2016
We now turn our attention to the Civic Hall’s forth coming 60th Anniversary of its opening on 20th August 1956. The keys were turned and the door was locked on the Alfred Hall (now occupied by Big W)on the very same day for the very last time. From the Alfred Hall a procession marched up Mair Street to the new Civic Hall and the crowd was addressed by Mayor Callow who declared that the new Civic Hall gives the people of Ballarat “New Hope” following the dark and dismal days of World War 2. A huge celebration with concerts followed the official opening.
It is hoped that the Civic Hall would re-open on the 20th August 2016 marking this monumental event. Wouldn’t it be wonderful to have a re-enactment of the procession up Mair Street to re-open the Civic Hall followed by celebrations and concerts?
Wouldn’t this be an amazing tribute to the forefathers of Ballarat?….. especially Herbert Leslie Coburn, former Councilor and Mayor of Ballarat 1945, who was an Architect and Teacher of Architecture at the School of Mines. He designed the Civic Hall but unfortunately died just prior to its official opening.
