Peterborough Town Hall, South Australia facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Peterborough Town Hall |
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The Town Hall in 2017
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| Location | 108 Main Street Peterborough SA 5422 |
| Built | 1927 |
| Architect | C. Smith |
| Governing body | District Council of Peterborough |
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South Australian Heritage Register
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| Type | State Heritage Place |
| Designated | 21 October 1993 |
| Reference no. | 16001 |
The Peterborough Town Hall is a special building in Peterborough, South Australia. It's located at 108 Main Street. This building is a town hall, which means it's where the local government meets. It was built in 1927. The town hall is also a "heritage-listed" site. This means it's an important old building. It was added to the South Australian Heritage Register on October 21, 1993.
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The First Town Hall
The very first town hall in Peterborough was not a new building. It was an old building called the Petersburg Institute. In 1889, this building was given to the local government. Back then, the town was called Petersburg. People expected the building would need changes. But these changes took a few years to happen.
Making the Old Hall Better
Finally, in December 1893, the town decided to approve the changes. Local citizens who paid taxes, called "ratepayers," voted on it. The updates added a new stage and dressing rooms. There was also a new library and reading room. A special room for the council and an office for the town clerk were also built. The outside of the building got a new, fancy look. This new look replaced the old "blank wall." All these changes cost about £1,200. The improved town hall reopened to the public in September 1894.
Why a New Hall Was Needed
By 1925, the old institute building was not big enough. No major changes had been made for thirty years. The town council started looking for ways to build a new town hall. They needed a bigger and more modern space.
Building the New Town Hall
A famous architect named Christopher Arthur Smith designed the new hall. He had designed many public buildings in South Australia. By June 1926, his plans were ready. The new hall would be built next to the old one. It would have five office fronts and a room for members. There would also be a public reading room. The town clerk's office and the council chamber would be there too. The main hall was designed to hold many people. It could seat between 1,100 and 1,200 people. The estimated cost for this big project was £11,705.
Construction and Opening
The first stone for the new hall was laid on March 23, 1927. This is called the foundation stone. In October, the council got a loan. This helped them pay for the new building. The Peterborough Town Hall officially opened on November 15, 1927. A politician named George Jenkins was there. He said it was "the finest hall he had seen in any town of the same size." The council had hoped to sell the old hall. This would help cover the costs of the new one. But they couldn't get the price they wanted. So, they rented it out instead. The final cost of the new hall was £13,961.0.6.
The Town Hall Today
The Peterborough Town Hall is still used today. The District Council of Peterborough uses it for meetings and events. This council is the successor to the old town government. The first town hall building also still exists. However, it is now a private home.
