Geraldton's Old Town Hall to have interim heritage listing

9/9/97

Planning Minister Graham Kierath has moved to protect the heritage values of Geraldton's historic former Town Hall.

The old Town Hall has dominated the Geraldton city streetscape for ninety years and is one of the few public buildings from the gold boom era still remaining in the town.

The building, on the corner of Durlacher Street and Chapman Road, will be placed on the Heritage Council of Western Australia's interim register of heritage places.

Heritage Minister Graham Kierath said the Town Hall had important historic and aesthetic qualities.

"The former Town Hall is an important reminder of the development of Geraldton in the early part of this century," Mr Kierath said.

"The building is a fine example of the Federation Academic Classical architectural style.

"It is also highly valued for its cultural and social contribution to the life of Geraldton. An indication of its importance to the local community was seen by the strong campaign to prevent it being demolished."

Mr Kierath said the Town Hall, a two-storey rendered brick building, was built in 1907 after a public referendum was held on the need for a new municipal centre.

The Town Hall was opened by Governor Sir Frederick Bedford in a ceremony which emphasised the confidence and prosperity of the gold boom period.

It was built to accommodate 1100 people, 700 in the main hall and 400 in the galleries and furnishings cost 400 pounds, including a grand piano.

The Hall was used for concerts, dances, exhibitions, film shows, civic functions and plays, as well as being the headquarters of the Citizens' Advice Bureau.

Mr Kierath said a new Civic Centre was built in Geraldton and opened by the Queen in March 1964. Council offices moved to the new building.

"Geraldton Town Hall continued to be used for various functions, but ultimately it came under threat of demolition to make way for a carpark," he said.

"A lobby group, Friends of the Old Town Hall, was formed to prevent its demolition.

"Working together, the State Government, the Art Gallery of Western Australia and the Geraldton Town Council came up with a workable plan to convert Geraldton Town Hall into a regional Art Gallery.

"Following a referendum, the exterior appearance of the building was retained with some renovation.

"Internally, the town hall was gutted and convened to a modern exhibition facility, complete with air conditioning and security services.

"It was opened by the Governor-General, Sir Ninian Stephen, on August 6, 1994."

Mr Kierath said the building was in good condition, although the internal renovations had reduced its authenticity.

"Nevertheless, the old Town Hall is an important reminder of a growth period in Geraldton and it has played an important part in the town's cultural and social history."

The Minister also announced that St Peter Catholic Church in the Greenough hamlet has been permanently entered in the Register of Heritage Places by the Heritage Council.

"The 1908 church in the authentic hamlet of heritage buildings is particularly rare as there are few modern intrusions which gives visitors an opportunity to appreciate the church within an authentic, original setting," Mr Kierath said.

"The Convent and St Peter's Boys School closed in 1958 and the hamlet was gradually deserted. However, the church has continued to serve the surrounding area.

"The historic value of the hamlet began to be recognised from the 1960s and restoration work began in 1974. Regular maintenance has kept Saint Peter's in generally good structural condition."

Media contact: Steve Manchee 9481 2133