Footscray Town Hall
61 Napier Street, FOOTSCRAY VIC 3011 - Property No 3055008700
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Statement of Significance
Architecturally, although a dedicatedly conservative design (see Oakley & Parkes' earlier Romanesque revival Equity Chambers) it is highly successful and relatively well preserved, both inside and out, particularly the more contemporary Moderne styled interiors.
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Footscray Town Hall - Physical Description 1
The new building possessed a passing resemblance to the old (probably by intention given the controversy over its loss) with its bayed plan, shingled mansard roof line and arcaded central entrance porch. Even the Modern Romanesque style chosen was conservative in a time when the European and American Modernists were demanding the abolition of all revival styles in their preference for function. As with banks and other traditionally conservative institutions, the precedent was there for conservative architecture but this design can be compared with the contemporary Modernist Heidelberg Town Hall which showed no such influence and won an award for its nerve.
Inside however, the period's mainstream styling took over with streamlined Modern treatments such as the impressive main stair case and curved stair hall. Maple veneer is in evidence in most main rooms and recent renovations have in part reintroduced the pastel autumn toning used in the period for the fibrous plaster ceilings and walls. Much of the original exterior and interior have been retained and are in excellent condition.
Footscray Town Hall - Integrity
External Integrity
A new rear addition has used similar materials and relates in part to the original structure also some loss of detail in the forecourt (lamps).
Footscray Town Hall - Physical Description 2
Streetscape
A more symbolic than physical contributor to what had been a civic precinct since the 1870s. However; it is sufficiently large and set within sufficient grounds to provide its own independent architectural presence.Heritage Study and Grading
Maribyrnong - City of Footscray Urban Conservation Study
Author: Graeme Butler
Year: 1989
Grading:
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FORMER BARKLY THEATREVictorian Heritage Register H0878
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FOOTSCRAY RAILWAY STATION COMPLEXVictorian Heritage Register H1563
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HENDERSON HOUSEVictorian Heritage Register H0183
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