A sneak peak inside the Civic Precinct

Last week, Edward River councillors took the visiting Deputy Premier Paul Toole on a tour of the Civic Precinct refurbishment.

The works, which started in September of 2020 are coming to a close as the Estates Building has been transformed and restoration on the Town Hall is well underway.

Last to be completed will be upgrades to the Civic Building (facing Civic Place) and the courtyard connecting the three structures.

Contractor Frank Moretto, who was there for the visit, said “dealing with the finishing touches has been challenging” but added it was satisfying to see the heritage buildings restored.

“Restoring these buildings has involved a lot of specialised work,” he said.

Border closures and materials costs have delayed the project’s opening date multiple times, but council expects the precinct to be open by the middle of the year.

A view of the stage. One councillor remembers when the hall was open when he was a child, and visiting for rehearsals. The hall is expected to hold 285 guests, but the aged timber must be replaced before it can be opened to the public.

Edward River Council general manager Phil Stone, Mayor Peta Betts, Deputy Mayor Paul Fellows, contractor Frank Moretto and Deputy Premier Paul Toole view what will become a meeting room in the Town Hall.

The viewing platform in the Town Hall is being restored, while the arched windows have had to be filled in for structural reasons.

The inside of the old entrance to the Town Hall. Once the floors are replaced, retractable seating will be installed in this section.

Councillors, council staff, and visitors viewing the Town Hall.

The Town Hall’s walls are yet to be finished.

The ceiling dome in the Town Hall.