Federation Hall facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Federation Hall |
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Federation Hall, pictured in 2010
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| Location | 24–30 Grosvenor Street, The Rocks, City of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia |
| Built | 1889–1891 |
| Architect | Alterations – Scott and Green |
| Owner | Sydney Harbour Foreshore Authority |
| Official name: Federation Hall and courtyard; Exchange Courtyard; Meat Board Building | |
| Type | State heritage (built) |
| Designated | 10 May 2002 |
| Reference no. | 1546 |
| Type | Theatre |
| Category | Commercial |
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Federation Hall is a special old building in The Rocks, a historic area in Sydney, Australia. It's located on Grosvenor Street. This building was first used as a meeting hall and theatre. Today, it's a business building and home to the Sydney Futures Exchange, where people trade important financial things.
It was built between 1889 and 1891. Later, some changes were made by architects Scott and Green. The building is also known as Exchange Courtyard and Meat Board Building. It's owned by Property NSW, a government group in New South Wales. Federation Hall was added to the New South Wales State Heritage Register on May 10, 2002, which means it's officially recognized as an important historical site.
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A Look Back: Federation Hall's Story
This spot was once at the edge of the Parade Ground when Sydney was a new colony. A man named William Davis owned a lot of land here early on.
In 1848, a simple two-story house stood on this site. Between 1887 and 1889, old buildings were taken down to make way for the Royal Naval House.
Building the Hall
From 1889 to 1891, a new three-story brick building was built here. It had a flat roof and a plastered front with fancy decorations. This part forms the first three floors of the building you see today.
The building was finished in 1891. It was first used as a parish hall for St Patrick's Church until 1914. There were also shops on the ground floor that the church rented out. The church sold the property in the 1920s.
Changes Over Time
The early part of the building had shops facing Grosvenor Street. Above them was a large space known as Federation Hall from about 1892 to 1915. From about 1915 to 1924, this hall was called the Repertory Theatre.
In 1922, plans were made to add two more floors and make other changes. This work likely happened in 1923–1924. Over the years, many groups used the building, including the NRMA (a car association) from 1927 to 1930.
Modern Renovations
In the 1980s, plans were made to update this area of Sydney. This included the Grosvenor Place project, which started in 1984 and finished in 1988.
As part of this project, work began in 1987 to rebuild and update Federation Hall and Royal Naval House. This $12.5 million effort was to prepare the buildings for the Sydney Futures Exchange. The work included putting back the original verandah and courtyard in a new spot. They also restored the building's street fronts.
What Federation Hall Looks Like
Federation Hall has a Late Victorian style. It has three main stories, with two more added later.
Updates and Changes
- 1922-1924: Architects Scott and Green planned to add two more floors and make other changes. This work was completed around 1923–1924.
- 1989: The building was rebuilt and updated for the Sydney Futures Exchange. This included restoring the street fronts and moving the original verandah and courtyard.
Why Federation Hall is Special
Federation Hall is very important because of its history and its design. It's also special because it's part of The Rocks area, which is important on its own.
A Group of Important Buildings
Federation Hall is one of a group of important buildings in the area. This group includes Royal Naval House, Johnson's Building, 231 George Street, and Brooklyn Hotel. All these buildings together create a rich and interesting look.
Royal Naval House is a main feature, and Johnson's Building leads nicely around the corner. The trees in the area also add to the beauty and connect the buildings. These buildings stand out on Grosvenor Street, facing the open space of Lang Park.
Federation Hall's Design
Federation Hall has a beautiful neo-classical (classic-looking) front. The two top stories were added later but fit in well. The inside spaces are simple, and the entrances are good. The front of the building is a key part of the street's look.
Federation Hall was listed on the New South Wales State Heritage Register on May 10, 2002, because it meets important heritage rules.
- It shows the history of New South Wales: Federation Hall and its site are important for their historical and scientific value. They also add to the historical importance of The Rocks area.
- It shows great design and skill: The building has a beautiful neo-classical front, with later additions that blend in well. Its design makes it an important part of the street.
See also
