The iconic former Footscray Town Hall, and the Ercildoune building will both receive major refurbishment works
The two historical sites in Napier Street, Footscray – almost opposite each other – will undergo improvements under the State Government Living Heritage Grants Program.
Footscray MP Marsha Thomson announced $200,000 in funding for conservation works to the town hall – now the Maribyrnong council chambers – which will pay for the restoration of the grand entrance.
Almost $45,000 funding will also address urgent conservation and repair works at the Ercildoune building, including repairing vital timber joinery.
Ms Thomson said the two structures have played a significant role for generations of the Footscray community.
Maribyrnong mayor Catherine Cumming said the town hall was the only American Romanesque civic building in Victoria.
Cr Cumming said when it was built in 1936 – replacing the original 1875 town hall – it was at its height of significance.
“At the time, it was a powerful symbol of the community emerging from the Great Depression and the standing of Footscray as the economic centre of the west,” Cr Cumming said. “However, like anyone who has racked up 82 years on this earth, she is starting to show her age.
“The plaster ceiling under the front portico is starting to deteriorate due to water damage and there are visible cracks in the mosaics and bluestone steps due to ground settlement issues over the years.”
Cr Cumming said there might be one slight drawback to the restoration works.
“The only downside is that we might have to remove the red, white and blue banners whilst the work is done.
“However mark my words, they’ll be coming back as soon as possible – hopefully to mark another [Bulldogs] premiership win.”
The Ercildoune building was built in 1876 for the National Bank of Australia in response to industrialisation and population growth in the area. Industry in the area included tallow making, hide treatment, meat preserving and fertiliser manufacture. The bank was relocated in 1918 and Ercildoune was used as a residential building from 1919. It was bought by current owner Footscray Historical Society in 1970.
