St Kilda Town Hall, Melbourne

Saint Kilda Town Hall is a majestic city hall characterized by its classical architectural style. Its initial construction, which was never fully finished, began in 1890 and was intended to serve as the municipal offices and public hall for the former City of Saint Kilda. Throughout the early and mid-20th century, numerous additions, internal modifications, and alterations to its appearance were undertaken, solidifying its status as the civic and social hub of Saint Kilda.

In 1991, a destructive fire severely damaged the town hall and its art collection. An award-winning restoration and expansion project followed. In 1994, it became the City of Port Phillip headquarters, leading to more extensions and renovations. Despite changes, the hall remains a popular venue for social events, meetings, and performances for over 120 years.

The Saint Kilda town hall was commissioned as a replacement for an earlier building constructed in 1859 at the intersection of Grey and Barkly Streets. The decision to build on this site was made in 1883, and the location was officially selected in 1887. An elaborate design featuring towers, created by architect William Pitt in an ornate Second Empire style, emerged victorious in a limited design competition held in 1888.

The building, opened in 1890, remained incomplete with only the hall, front wing, and Carlisle Street wings built. In 1892, George Fincham installed a large pipe organ instead of completing it. Later, a classical portico was added in 1925, and an ornate stair-hall was created. An Art Deco Council Chamber was added in 1939, and a modernist addition in 1971.