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Kyneton Shire Hall

Location

129 Mollison Street,, KYNETON VIC 3444 - Property No B6381

File Number

B6381

Level

Regional

Statement of Significance

Constructed in two stages in 1878-9 and 1929, the Shire Hall and offices is significant at a regional level as one of the most substantial shire halls in Victoria, and a local landmark at the heart of a group of civic buildings. The hall is historically significant as the first permanent seat of local government in Kyneton and for its continuing service to the town and its rural community for over a century.
The principal elevation of the Shire Hall is significant for the unusual architectural synthesis of elements of the first stage designed by the important architect William Pritchard, and the second stage designed by theatre and civic hall specalists Richardson and Wood some fifty years later. Both designs are characteristic of their individual eras while forming an architecturally unified whole.
The 1929 internal alterations which were designed to provide a combined picture theatre/hall are less sympathetic to the original than the exterior works, but are an important manifestation of the recognition of the desire of communities to adapt to the growing popularity of the cinema in the 1920s.
Subsequent additions in the 1950s and 1960s have not enhanced the architectural effect and are excluded.
Classified: 14/10/1992

Group