St Kilda Town Hall

St Kilda Town Hall is a city hall in St Kilda, Victoria, Australia.

It was first built in 1890 to the designs of local architect William Pitt.

Pitt's grand vision for the town hall was never completed. When funds dried out, the plans which included an ornate free classical tower details, similar in design to the South Melbourne Town Hall were not realised.

The large classical portico added in 1925 (not part of Pitt's original design) and the building, which once had a stone finish was stuccoed and painted white. To coincide with St Kilda's new status as a city, the building was renamed "City Hall".

The City Hall sits in 19th century gardens which form circular driveway and entrance to the grand staircase. The gardens were once used as recreational space, however these days is isolated from pedestrians by the busy Brighton Road and Carlisle street intersection.

In the early hours of Sunday 7 April, 1991, fire gutted the St Kilda Town Hall resulting in lost art works and a large repair bill. Arson was suspected. [ [1] ] [ [2] ]

After the amalgamation of the City of St Kilda with the City of Port Melbourne and the City of South Melbourne in 1994 to form the City of Port Phillip, the Town Hall now functions as secondary offices for the new Port Phillip City Council (City of Port Phillip).

The building is currently being redeveloped to extend the office and parking space for the council.

ee also

*List of Town Halls in Melbourne
*City of Port Phillip
*List of Mayors of Yarra
*List of Mayors of Port Melbourne
*List of Mayors of South Melbourne
*List of Mayors of St Kilda

External Link

References

* St Kilda Town Hall History on Organ Historical Trust of Australia Website [http://www.ohta.org.au/organs/organs/STKildaTH.html]
* St Kilda Town Hall History Website [http://www.skhs.org.au/SKHSbuildings/33.htm]