Accessibility upgrade for Trades Hall

The world’s second oldest purpose-built trades and labour building is to receive funding to maintain its ability to host unions and community events.

Ballarat Trades Hall will get a $607,000 upgrade funded by the federal government.

The project will see disability access and other amenities such as the hall’s roof lantern improved to extend the building’s longevity.

Federal Ballarat MP Catherine King said the hall was significant for its connection to the city and the development of workers’ rights.

“The formation of many of the unions were actually here in Ballarat or down the road at Creswick, and that history is woven right the way through Ballarat,” she said.

“So this building in and of itself is really significant.”

King said that community organisations used the building, which had also become a feature of the city’s arts precinct.

Works would allow for the building to continue hosting music and art events.

“From comedy to art to political dialogue, really, the space has been useful,” King said.

“So that’s really what Trades Hall has sort of started to become as well, as a space to allow those events to occur.”

State Wendouree MP Juliana Addison said the building was part of the city’s social fabric.

Ballarat Trades and Labour Council secretary Angela McCarthy said unions still used the building, which also attracted schools and tourists.

“One hundred and thirty-nine years ago the foundation stone was laid for Ballarat Trades Hall and ever since then this place has been central to the industrial and labour history of our city and region,” she said.

“Our council is proud to carry that tradition and to continue that support for local workers and their families, but our home could really do with some improvements.

“We are really delighted to receive this support from the Albanese Labor government and hope that it will support us into the future.”