BACKGROUND
In October 2018, the ceiling collapsed over workers in the ANAM administration offices upstairs in the South Melbourne Town Hall.
In March 2020, the City of Port Phillip assessed the overall safety of the building and concluded that it was too unsafe to occupy. The building has remained closed since then.
The City of Port Phillip is currently undertaking critical safety works within the Town Hall.
ANAM’s ambitious project to revitalise the Town Hall — set to commence once the City of Port Phillip completes its base build work — will transform the building into a state-of-the-art venue for community, education, and creative activity.
ANAM PROJECT
As a grand civic monument built in 1879, the South Melbourne Town Hall has served a wide range of purposes over the years: from an orphanage to a courthouse and holding cells, a library to a fire station, and a maternal healthcare centre to an internationally acclaimed music school.
ANAM’s proposal honours and amplifies the building’s rich and multi-faceted history. Significant community and First Nations stories will be told through design, artefact displays, commissioned artworks, and historically informed textures, imagery, and colours.
Peter Elliott Architecture + Urban Design was appointed in August 2023 and have, in conjunction with their team of expert consultants, developed detailed plans approved by Heritage Victoria to save and transform the South Melbourne Town Hall.
Their refurbishment project, will deliver state-of-the-art facilities and spaces, including:
- A 350-seat auditorium
- A 150-seat performance space
- Meeting rooms
- Rehearsal and studio facilities
- Catering kitchen – for weddings and events – together with a foyer bar and improved amenities
These spaces will be available for hire, with generous discounts for community members.
ANAM has raised $28.5million towards its bold project, including $16million in philanthropic donations.
ANAM is now seeking commitments of $12.5million each from the Commonwealth and State governments to ensure Peter Elliott's plans can become a reality.
The design plan is future-focused, implementing best practice standards for sustainability and resilience against future climate risks, including:
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Efficient energy generation and use
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Maximum solar panels on the Town Hall’s roof
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Rain-water harvesting
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Water recycling
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Adaptive reuse and selection of materials, and
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Waste management
ANAM HISTORY WITH SOUTH MELBOURNE TOWN HALL
ANAM is one of Australia’s leading cultural training and performance organisations. ANAM’s alumni can be found in leadership positions in orchestras, chamber music ensembles, and wherever fine music is performed across Australia and all around the world.
ANAM has been the Town Hall’s major tenant since 1996. In March 2023 it concluded a new 50-year lease with Council which will commence when ANAM returns to the building, where they will commence paying an annual rent of $550k (+CPI).
