By Oliver Lees
Works to restore the century-old Kyneton Town Hall are set to wrap up later this month after eight months of upgrades and repairs.
The extensive restoration works, which included the repainting of the facade and window and chimney restoration, was jointly funded by Macedon Ranges council ($300,000) and the federal government ($632,000).
According to a 1990 conservation study conducted by the former Shire of Kyneton, the first portion of Kyneton Town Hall was constructed in 1877.
The hall is made up of mixture of a sections that have been added and updated across the building’s lengthy history.
This includes the original office spaces that were constructed in 1877 amd main hall which arrived in 1929.
Speaking with Star Weekly in May, Macedon Ranges council assets and operations director Shane Walden said that the focus of the job was to ensure the facade remains true to the building’s character.
“This is an important project to preserve the Kyneton Town Hall. The work includes repairs to various architectural elements and to restore heritage value,” Mr Walden said.
“Council’s heritage advisor has approved aesthetic considerations, including paint colours, to ensure the history of this building is respected and enhanced.”
In addition to repair and restoration works, the upgrade project has also seen a greater number of light bulbs affixed to the building’s facade.
Macedon Ranges mayor Jennifer Anderson said she was “delighted” to see the works progress on one of Kyneton’s most iconic structures.
“Of the old shire halls that have always served rural communities, Kyneton’s is one of the most substantial,” Cr Anderson said.
Bendigo MP Lisa Chesters said she was glad to see the progress on the building, but believes the project could benefit from a greater investment from the federal government.
“The list of desired projects far outweighs the funding allocated and I urge the government to increase their investment in this space,” Ms Chesters said.
“These works are important for improving safety, as well as boosting economic and social outcomes in the region.”
