Residents of Sydney are being asked to provide their suggestions to inform a multi-million-dollar revamp of one of the city’s most important civic buildings.

The City of Sydney has called for feedback in regard to a proposed renovation of Paddington Town Hall.

Built in 1891, the hall is the second largest town hall in the area and serves as a prominent example of Victorian Free Classical architecture.

Designed by architect John Edward Kemp, it features rare interior elements by Walter Burley Griffin and is listed on the NSW State Heritage Register.

Over time, the building has adapted to changing community needs.

Today, it includes an events hall, library, cinema and creative spaces.

However, the building but has not undergone a major upgrade in more than 50 years.

(Paddington Town Hall circa 1890-1900 Image Credit City of Sydney)

As a result, the City of Sydney is currently developing a concept plan for its renewal.

The plan aims to ensure the building continues to support local culture, events and community life for the next 50 years.

It will aim make the landmark more welcoming, accessible and functional.

The proposed renewal will seek to:

• modernise building services and facilities
• improve access and versatility of internal spaces
• repair and protect important heritage elements
• enhance the building’s role as a hub for cultural and community use.

The Paddington Library which is located within the hall will remain in the building. The City of Sydney will work with Woollahra Council to plan to minimise any short-term disruption.

(Paddington Town Hall circa 1917-1918 Image Credit City of Sydney)

Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore AO welcomed the release of consultation.

“This wonderful building is emblematic of the Victorian free classical architecture of the time and is now being given its first major upgrade in more than 50 years,” Moore said.

“We’re asking the community to share their stories with us about the building, what their connection is and what memories they have of this historic venue.”

Feedback to inform planning for the renovation is open until Thursday September 25.

The feedback will help to inform concept plans, upon which the community will be afforded the opportunity to provide feedback in 2026.

(Paddington Town Hall circa 1890-1900 Image Credit City of Sydney

Facts about Paddington Town Hall

Interesting facts about Paddington Town Hall are as follows:

• Built in 1891, the state heritage listed town hall features rare interior elements by Walter Burley Griffin, the renowned architect responsible for the design of Canberra
• The original building cost £13,000 including furnishings and a 32-metre-tall clock tower. The clock itself was not installed until 1905, to commemorate the coronation of King Edward VII.
• In the 1930s the large main hall was used for numerous community events including balls, formal dinners, lectures, wedding receptions and public ceremonies.
• In 1966 it was the venue for the first Aboriginal Debutante Ball in Sydney and in the 1970s sell-out crowds flocked to the main hall to watch performances from seminal punk bands like The Saints and Radio Birdman.
• It later played host to the RAT (Recreational Arts Team) parties of the 1980s, hosted by Jac Vidgen and others, which were forerunners to the dance and rave scene of the 90s.
• Today the historic town hall houses a library and cinema, and Stapleton Hall is used by arts and cultural organisations, community groups, charities and schools.

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