OLD BUILDING'S OF BROKEN HILL
Broken Hill’S Town Hall
In 1966 the City Council decided to set aside $145,200 during 1967 to go towards the construction of a civic centre or a new Town Hall. In 1889 the Broken Hill Council borrowed a mere 5,000 pounds to build the present Town Hall and it was eventually completed at a cost of 9,400 pounds.
Later in 1911,a new section was added to the Town Hall at a cost of 2,000 pounds. This housed the library and provided additional office space. In 1887,only four years after Charles Rasp's discovery,150 Broken Hill people signed a petition for Broken Hill to be declared a municipality. The proclamation was issued on September 22,1888,and came into effect on November 20 that year.
The first election,of aldermen and auditors was held on November 30 the same year and the first Council meeting was held on December 3,with Captain Richard Piper being elected Mayor. The first meeting was held in a wood and iron building on the present Town Hall site. The building had been known as the Mechanics Institute and had been built by the Association and this was Broken Hill's first council centre.
On May 3,1889,it was decided to build a Town Hall. The site selected was the corner of Argent and Kaolin Streets opposite the Duke of Cornwall Hotel. An outcry from the citizens followed,they wanted it nearer the Post Office and other public buildings. On August 29 that year the Government authorised Council to borrow 5,000 pounds towards the cost of the new Town Hall.
Designs were called for but,as journals of the day said "as we have only 5,000 pounds elaborate architectural adornment will necessarily have to be sacrifice". On February 5,1890,the design of the present Town Hall submitted by Whittall and Wells of Adelaide and Broken Hill,was accepted.
It was to include accommodation for the Fire Brigade,and the 75ft.tower which still stands was intended as a lookout tower for the Fire Brigade.
On April 3,1890 the Premier Sir Henry Parkes laid the white marble foundation stone. Five thousand people attended the ceremony. Five tenders were received for the project that of O,Mara and Co.for 6,620 pounds being accepted but on May 8,Mr O,Mara declined to proceed and fresh tenders were called. On May 22,the tender of Hewitt and Smethurst for 9,400 pounds was accepted,and so the municipal building was built. Mr Smethhurst was later managing director of the Barrier Miner for 25 years. The Town Hall was eventually opened on August 6,1891.
Four thousand people saw the Governor of N.S.W.His Excellency Victor Albert George,Earl of Jersy,declared the building open. The Mayor of Broken Hill at the time was alderman Morgan.
A glittering ball attended by the Vice Regal party,was held that night in the new Town Hall. Old liqueur bottles found in the Town Hall cellar about 1965 were said to have come from the opening ball. Apart from the section added to the rear in 1911 the Town Hall has undergone little change since its erection. Massive walls in the building,built of stone from local mineral leases,are up to 15 inches thick.The old building is said to be a great historical attraction and many claim it has years of good service left. But others say the grand old building has served its purpose and money would be better spent on a new Municipal headquarters.
In October 1972 a decision was made by Broken Hill City Council to demolish the Town Hall and construct a modern office complex instead. On February 13 1973 there was a public meeting held at the Civic Centre to discuss future of Broken Hill Town Hall. November 7 1973 decision by City Council to demolish rear section of Town Hall,and call for tenders to restore ornamental facade.
On May 16 1974 demolishment of rear portion of Town Hall commenced. August 28 1974 Broken Hill City Council decides to retain ornamental facade of Broken Hill Town Hall;tenders accepted fore restoration.
March 13 1976 official opening of restored Town Hall Facade. In 1977 a contract was signed and work commenced on construction of Broken Hill City Council Administration Centre.
On November 25 1978 the Mayor,Alderman K.A.Clark officially opens the Broken Hill City Council Administration Centre.
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Opening of the Town Hall-1891
