Hamilton is now amongst the most sought-after places to live in Brisbane with its trendy restaurants, cafes, and delis as well as the riverside properties that offer excellent views of the Brisbane River. Aside from its modern attractions, Hamilton also has a heritage trail that showcases the rich history of the place. The Hamilton Town Hall is one of its stops.
Read: Explore Hamilton and Ascot Heritage Trail
The Hamilton Town Hall is a heritage listed memorial style hall located at 36-42 Racecourse Road, next to the Hamilton Ward Office and Hamilton Library.
The Hamilton Town Hall’s History
Established in 1920, the Hamilton Town Hall was designed by respected Brisbane architect, Montague Stanley for the Hamilton Town Council.
The Hamilton Town Council used to share board offices with the Toombul Shire Council, at the corner of Cooksley Street and Kingsford Smith Drive (then Hamilton Road).
By 1920, a portion of land on Racecourse Road had been acquired for the construction of the new Hamilton Town Hall. Completed in July 1920, the building consisted of Council chambers and the public hall.
The Hamilton Town Hall then became the venue for Council business, community meetings, and social occasions.
When the Hamilton Town Council was merged with the Greater Brisbane Municipal Council in 1925 under the City of Brisbane Act 1924, it resulted in Hamilton Town Council being disbanded.
With the formation of Greater Brisbane, The Hamilton Town Hall was recorded as a Council Depot in the Post Office Directories on 1925/1926.
By November 1925, a delegation of former Hamilton Town Council members made a request to Brisbane’s first Lord Mayor, William Jolly, to allow the hall to be used for a School of Arts.
The Lord Mayor agreed with this proposal and from 1927 the building became the Hamilton School of Arts.
It eventually became the headquarters for the Australian Army Survey Corps during World War Two. After the war, major alterations were made to the Council Chambers to create the Hamilton Municipal Library.
Today, the Hamilton Town Hall still serves the community as it offers a great venue for various events in the area.