Clocktower Centre

The Clocktower Centre

The Clocktower Centre, previously known as Essendon Town Hall or Moonee Ponds Town Hall, is a civic building in Moonee Ponds in Melbourne, Australia. Operated by the City of Moonee Valley, it is a venue for performing arts as well as community and corporate activities. It is located at 750 Mount Alexander Road, at the junction with Pascoe Vale Road.^[1]

Building history

The building has evolved substantially over time. It was originally built as the Essendon Mechanics Institute, in a Victorian architecture style and opening in September 1880.^[2]

In February 1886 it was officially rechristened as the Essendon Town Hall. By 1914 the town hall had been extended and was reopened in July of that year. In 1930, a clock was installed in the clocktower and in 1941 the building was again modified with sections being rebuilt.^[2]

After the council chambers were moved to the new civic centre in 1973, the town hall was converted to a community centre. It was renovated and officially opened as the Essendon Community Centre in 1976. A fire in 1978 caused substantial internal damage to the building but by 1979 it has been repaired and reopened.^[2]

In February 2000 following substantial renovations, the building was officially reopened as the Clocktower Centre.^[1]

See also

• List of Town Halls in Melbourne

References

1. ^ ^{a b} "Clocktower Centre". City of Moonee Valley. http://www.clocktowercentre.com.au/. Retrieved 2007-12-27. 
2. ^ ^{a b c} "Clocktower Centre History". The City of Moonee Valley History Online. Essendon Network for Employment and Training. http://www.clocktowercentre.com.au/. Retrieved 2007-12-27. 

External links

• Clocktower Centre
• The City of Moonee Valley History Online: Clocktower Centre History
• Picture Australia: Town Hall, Moonee Ponds ca. 1908.

Coordinates: 37°45′56″S 144°55′28″E / 37.765622°S 144.924576°E / -37.765622; 144.924576