Creswick Town Hall renewal to start in October
Published on 18 August 2022
A project to beautify the iconic Creswick Town Hall and protect it for generations to come will start in October.
Works will include external repairs and painting of the building, windows and doors; general repairs to eliminate water ingress; masonry improvements including to chimneys and parapets; repairs to the roof and gutters, along with accessibility improvements to the main hall and a new flagpole.
“This is such a historic and important building for Creswick, right in the heart of the town. It will be exciting to see it being restored to its original grandeur, so the community can make the most of this wonderful asset,” said Mayor, Cr Tim Drylie.
Hepburn Shire Council awarded the contract to heritage restoration specialists SIDA Constructions at the Council meeting last night. The scope of works includes roof repairs, window and door repairs, external repairs and painting, and flagpole replacement.
“This was the second time we had tendered the project and we had two impressive tender applications this time around. We kept the tender open for longer to respond to the high volatility and challenges currently facing the construction sector,” said Cr Drylie.
“The bio box, which was added to the building in 1941, will remain in place due to the additional cost of its removal and in response to community feedback. Three independent conservation architects had recommended removal, but it came down to the increased costs of the project, and community sentiment,” he said.
“We know there will be community members who will pleased with this outcome, and others who would have liked it removed and restored to its original 1870s design. However, even with generous funding through grants this would have added significant costs outside of the allocated budget.”
The next step for the project is finalising construction details and the building permit for the works. Once the permit is approved, works are expected to begin in October and projected to be completed in the first half of 2023.
The contract was awarded for $922,678, and forms part of the total cost of the project. The project is funded by Council along with a $500,000 grant from the State Government’s Regional Jobs and Infrastructure Fund, and $432,000 from the Federal Government’s Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Fund.
The hall will be unavailable for bookings while works are underway.