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MECHANICS INSTITUTE HALL (FORMER)

Other Name BRANXHOLME PUBLIC HALL Location McNicol Street BRANXHOLME, Southern Grampians Shire File Number 543 Level Stage 2 study complete

[1/1] 23300 Mechanics Institute

Statement of Significance

What is significant?
The former Mechanics Institute in McNicol Street, Branxholme is a large timber building incorporating the main hall, stage and lobby, a reading and a meeting room, the supper room and kitchen, and a recent extension used for community support groups. The hall is located in the centre of the town. The local Mutual Improvement Association purchased the land in 1878. Construction commenced late in 1883 and the hall was opened with a concert and ball in January 1884. Leading townsfolk were associated with the project from the beginning and continued to serve as members of the committee. Rooms with access from the rear, used as library reading rooms and for holding meetings, were added behind the stage in 1888. The supper room and kitchen were added in 1936. The property was transferred to the Crown in 1959 which allowed for further improvements under a grant. No architect has been associated with the original design but the builder was George Foster. The 1888 extensions were built by J Coutts, and Ewan Coutts E Gibbons built the 1936 extension which was designed by the Hamilton architect, H I McGuigan. Subsequently, the complex has been modified unsympathetically by the replacement of windows, the cladding of the walls and certain internal changes. It now has a low degree of integrity but is in good condition. There are many timber memorial plaques inside the main hall and supper room. Two standard cast iron street lights survive outside.

How is it significant?
The former Mechanics Institute Hall is of historical, cultural and social significance to the township of Branxholme and Southern Grampians Shire.

Why is it significant?
The former Mechanics Institute is of historical significance to Branxholme because, in the 19th and early 20th centuries it reflected the town's status and aspirations.

It is of cultural significance for its association with the self-improvement of all citizens through reading, lectures and concerts, and for the shared community values which are the basis of a community.

Socially, the hall is significant because it provides a focus for community activities and entertainment such as dances and film nights, importantly, across traditional class and other divisions. These roles continue and the hall is now used for infant welfare and other community support groups, and as the bowling club's rooms.