Councillor Pamela Sutton-Legaud
The Williamstown Mechanics’ Institute has been an important part of our community for well over a century.
It’s a great symbol of the story of Williamstown – a seaport that expanded to become a wonderful town and community as the gold rush and increase trade took effect in the second half of the 19th century.
The Mechanics’ Institute has been many things over time. It’s been an educational facilty, a cinema, theatre, library and more.
In more recent times, it was the home to community organisations such as the Williamstown Historical Society and the Williamstown Musical Theatre Company.
The Mechanics’ Institute and the caretaker’s cottage at the back of it have been closed since 2018. Some structural maintenance has been done but more work is needed for safety and building upgrades.
This year, work will begin to restore the cottage and now attention is turning to the main building itself.
We want to hear from the community about what you think the Mechanics’ Institute should be used for in the future. What role do you think it can play?
Your opinions can help shape a new master plan for the site, and I’m so excited to see what our community wants from this beautiful and important building.
You can have your say at participate.hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au until Tuesday, May 28.
