Haven’t you heard? Box Hill Town Hall has stories etched into its very walls. This isn’t just a building. It’s a landmark that has seen Box Hill grow and change.
Today, we stand before a building of regional architectural significance. The National Trust recognizes its historic and social importance. Designed by J.S. Gawler and J.C.A. Isbett, the Box Hill Town Hall was constructed between 1934 and 1935.
Before 1994, this was the City of Box Hill’s heart. It served as the administrative and community headquarters. Then, Box Hill merged with Nunawading. They formed the new City of Whitehorse. Even after the merging, the Box Hill Town Hall remained a symbol of the area.
Notice the portico above. Engraved here are two significant dates: 1927 marks when Box Hill became a city. And 1994 signifies the amalgamation. Also, you can spot the crest of the former City of Box Hill.
Interestingly, the Box Hill Town Hall has another claim to fame. Its imposing façade has been used in the TV series Neighbours. It plays the courthouse in the fictional town of Erinsborough. Who knew this stately building had a role on television?
Inside, the Box Hill Town Hall offers more than just a pretty face. It features a main hall plus community and meeting spaces. This hall has been used for weekly dances and dinners. Concerts and weddings have also taken place here. It even hosted vaccinations and political meetings. It is hard to imagine now.
Before this impressive building, the City of Box Hill had another Town Hall, which was initially constructed in 1872 on Canterbury Road. As construction for this Box Hill Town Hall began in 1934, the functions moved to this site.
In 2006, the Box Hill Town Hall received a $6.5 million redevelopment. This was to make it a hub for community services. It also became home to the City of Whitehorse arts and historical collections.
After the City of Whitehorse was proclaimed, the administrative functions moved to the Whitehorse Civic Centre in 1996. But this Town Hall remains a core part of community life. There are regular events, exhibitions, the Whitehorse Artspace gallery, and a customer service centre. It’s a true community hub.
Did you know you can even take a tour of the Box Hill Town Hall? On the tour you can see significant architectural features. You can also view the old Council Chambers and the Artspace Gallery. The tour highlights rooms that have served the community for over 80 years.
The Box Hill Town Hall stands as an excellent example of austere Classical Revival design. It has outstanding aesthetic, historical, and social significance. Seventy years on, the Box Hill Town Hall still serves the community well. From its architecture to its role in local television, this building encapsulates the spirit of Box Hill. As we move on, remember the stories held within these walls.