Joyous opening for Shire Hall

February 20, 2022 BY Billy Higgins

Mayor Libby Stapleton, centre left, pictured with Winchelsea Community House’s Tony Phelps, Jill Evans and Wendy Greaves. Photos: SUPPLIED.

COMMUNITY members and councillors have heralded a new era for the former Winchelsea Shire Hall as it reopened to the community.

Winchelsea Community House (WCH) and Surf Coast Shire hosted an open day of the new revamped facility last week, which has opened its doors for the first time since April 2019.

WCH has taken over the bluestone building’s lease this year, which is now open Wednesday to Friday from 10am to 2pm, offering events, exhibitions, children’s story time and youth drop-ins.

The community house aims to extend opening hours to weekends from next month and ramp up activities at the hall to create a self-sustaining business over the life of its three-year lease.

The hall also home to the council’s maternal and child health services and Visitor Information Centre under the new management arrangement.

Last week’s opening was the culmination of months of planning from the community group to return popular activities to its famous old building.

“Winchelsea Community House is delighted to finally have the Shire Hall project completed and is looking forward to welcoming the community to the new community space,” WCH co-ordinator Wendy Greaves said.

The council spent $96,000 on maintenance of the building’s interior to make it fit for its new use, while respecting its heritage values.

Mayor Libby Stapleton was at the reopening, and said she was delighted the facility would return to the heart of Winchelsea community activities.

“The Winchelsea Shire Hall is the heart of this community, and I’m so happy it’s now reopened for all to use and enjoy,” she said.

“It certainly is a wonderful use for this space as home of the Winchelsea Community House, where it will return to being a vibrant hub.

“People of all ages, all abilities and all walks of life will come together here for all sorts of community activities.

“The new fit-out looks fantastic, and I’m pleased it’s been very tastefully done to honour the building’s history and charm, such as retaining the antique table and chairs.”