Preservation - Town Hall, Horsham
(Charles "Nev" Hollinshed, 1939)
Town Hall, Horsham (1939)
AUTUMN 2011 - Preservation News
ADMS has been working with a group of Horsham residents objecting to the redevelopment of Horsham's wonderful Town Hall and auditorium (designed by Charles 'Nev' Hollinshed in 1939), which would have resulted in the demolition of the auditorium. A recent hearing at VCAT resulted in the permit for demolition being overturned.This is a significant victory for preservation in Victoria and demonstrates what can be achieved by a determined group of well-organised and well-supported ratepayers. The Horsham Rural City Council (HRCC) is now looking at alternatives for construction of a performing arts facility. Thanks to our friends at Horsham who worked very hard toschieve this outcome.
At the same time as the VCAT proceedings, the Town Hall complex was nominated to te Victorian Heritage Register by Horsham resident Neville McIntyre (supported by ADMS) and has been recommended for inclusion. HRCC (as the owner of the site) has decided to accept the nomination and work with Heritage Victoria in any future developments on the site.
SUMMER 2011 - Preservation News
The Horsham Rural City Council recently decided to redevelop the auditorium as a performing arts venue, which would result in the retention of the Town Hall (which operates as an Art Gallery) and the demolition of the auditorium, ADMS joined a group of Horsham residents in appealing against the demolition proposal at the Victorian Civil & Administrative Tribunal and we await the outcome.SPRING 2010 - Preservation News
The northwest Victorian town of Horsham boasts a wonderful Town Hall, designed by Charles "Nev" Hollinshed in 1939. But the Horsham Rural City Council never observed its obligations to undertake the conduct of a Heritage Study which would have resulted in a heritage overlay and protection for the Town Hall.The Council had been wanting to redevelop the existing Hall as a performing arts venue and had sought advice from ADMS about the facilities and features that should be retained. When Government money suddenly became available for new community facilities, the Council had a re-think and decided to demolish the exisiting Hall and build a new facility. Their justification for the demolition? That the building was not covered by a heritage overlay!
A group of outraged citizens has launched an appeal to the Victorian Civil & Administrative Tribunal, citing the failure of the Council to consult with the community.
Stay tuned!