Randwick Town Hall

Item details


Name of item:	Randwick Town Hall
Type of item:	Built
Group/Collection:	Community Facilities
Category:	Hall Town Hall
Primary address:	30 Frances Street, Randwick, NSW 2031
Local govt. area:	Randwick

All addresses

Street Address	Suburb/town	LGA	Parish	County	Type
30 Frances Street	Randwick	Randwick			Primary Address
90 Avoca Street	Randwick	Randwick			Alternate Address

Statement of significance:


	A fine example of a grand public building in the Italianate style. Local historical interest and considerable streetscape value. Part of church, school and civic precinct. Randwick Town Hall is a place of high local heritage significance. It has been the key civic building for Randwick City since 1882 and has accommodated the important functions of Randwick Council for 132 years. The building is also held in high regard by the local community as the key civic symbol of the city and as an important venue for a wide range of community and political events including fetes, fairs, flower shows, plays, dances, musical events, fundraising activities, election polls and citizenship ceremonies. The building’s fabric reflects the growth and consolidation of Randwick City from 1882 to the present day. Of particular note are the nineteenth century elements of the building including the original two-storey block and the Hall, the 1886-1887 wings and the central tower, all of which demonstrate the aesthetic characteristics of the Victorian Free Classical style and make an important contribution to the Avoca Street townscape and St Jude’s Heritage Conservation Area.
	Date significance updated: 24 Oct 21
	Note: The State Heritage Inventory provides information about heritage items listed by local and State government agencies. The State Heritage Inventory is continually being updated by local and State agencies as new information becomes available. Read the Department of Premier and Cabinet copyright and disclaimer.

Description


Construction years:	1882-
Physical description:	Grand, late Victorian, Italianate style building, dated 1882. Symmetrical design projecting central tower incorporates arched entry porch and arched balcony above. End sections feature gabled parapets with elaborate mouldings. Highly decorative mouldings also adorn windows and tower. Parapet gables are pediment type. Needs some maintenance but little altered. Large area in front with bitumen driveway and some landscaping. No fence survives. Excellent townscape contribution and part of the historic townscape Church – Council grouping. Unsympathetic brick addition located on Frances Street façade.

History

Historical notes:

Randwick Municipality was incorporated on 22nd February, 1859 and was housed in the Borough Chambers (now St. Judes curates residence) until the construction of the Town Hall in 1882. The design was by Blackman and Parkes. In 1886 the portico was raised to take the impressive clock tower. The side sections were also later additions, made in 1893. These completed the highly decorative Avoca Street façade. More recent additions were made in the150’s and 1970’s, to the south and west. These accommodate the present Council’s Chambersand administrative offices.

Listings

Heritage Listing	Listing Title	Listing Number	Gazette Date	Gazette Number	Gazette Page
Local Environmental Plan	Randwick Local Environmental Plan 1998 - Sch3	64	26 Jun 98	97	5006
Local Environmental Plan	Randwick Local Environmental Plan 2012	I375	15 Feb 13

References, internet links & images

Type	Author	Year	Title	Internet Links
Electronic	TKD Architects	2015	Statement of Heritage Impact

Note: internet links may be to web pages, documents or images.

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Data source


The information for this entry comes from the following source:
Name:	Local Government
Database number:	2310063

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