That imposing structure before you is Alexandria Town Hall. It’s more than just bricks and mortar. It whispers stories of a bustling past.
Built between 1880 and 1881 by the talented Ferdinand Reuss Snr the Town Hall initially showcased Victorian architecture. Imagine the excitement of its opening in June 1881. Mayor Charles Brandling Henderson presided over the festivities. It served as the heart of Alexandria’s local government for nearly seven decades. The building housed the Alexandria Municipal Council from 1881 to 1948.
But time marches on. In 1928 significant changes transformed the hall’s facade. Architects D T Morrow and Gordon gave it its current Inter-War Free Classical style. This is not immediately obvious but look closely. Notice the subtle shift in design. The alterations didn’t just change the look; they reflected a changing city and community.
After 1948 the Town Hall’s role shifted. The Alexandria municipality was absorbed into the City of Sydney. The council seat became a thing of the past. Yet the building’s community spirit lived on. It became a branch library a community centre and even a council depot.
For years it housed offices for the Northcott/South Sydney Municipal Council and later the City of South Sydney Council. From 1994 to 1997 it even served as a temporary home to The Women’s Library. A unique chapter in the building’s history.
Even today the Town Hall continues its community service. It’s a testament to the building’s enduring significance. Notice the recent restoration. In 2017 the City of Sydney Council undertook extensive conservation work. Lord Mayor Clover Moore championed this project. The restoration ensures the building meets the community’s needs for many years to come. A living monument to Alexandria’s history. A building that quietly bears witness to the evolution of this vibrant suburb.