Civic Hall anniversary celebrated

SAVE Civic Hall committee members hosted a morning tea birthday party for the grand dame on Tuesday.

Mayor Cr Samantha McIntosh and Cr Jim Rinaldi were joined by committee and community members celebrating 63 years since the Hall was first officially opened.

“It is fantastic that the Hall is open and functioning with a lot of big-name artists coming up,” said Rod Broadbent, Save Civic Hall Committee Chairman.

Mr Broadbent called on the council to review and update the Civic Hall Masterplan to repeal the Library of the Future concept.

This part of the Masterplan requires blocking off the upstairs balcony to create lecture theatres and the creation of a technology centre in the upstairs foyer.

He went on to request council undertake to have the building listed with Heritage Victoria.

“It is of high local significance and as such we recommend council take this step,” he said. “I also call on the council to undertake their best efforts to acquire the land on which the Hall is situated to ensure its future.”

Before cutting the cake and a champagne toast, Cr McIntosh said she would take Mr Broadbent’s requests to the council meeting on Wednesday night.

“The economic growth the city is experiencing is helping us embrace our history,” she said. “It also allows us to celebrate our historical buildings such as Civic Hall.”