Mayor Crawford with Minister Tony Burke, Josh Burns MP, Australian National Academy of Music CEO Nick Bailey, and architect Peter Elliot

Yesterday, Port Phillip Mayor Louise Crawford joined Federal Minister for the Arts Tony Burke and Member for Macnamara Josh Burns for a guided tour of the historic South Melbourne Town Hall, hosted by the Australian National Academy of Music (ANAM).

This visit marks the beginning of Phase 2 of the Town Hall’s major restoration project, which now moves into the structural strengthening and detailed restoration stages. The transformation of this iconic building is a collaborative effort, co-funded by Port Phillip Council, ANAM, and the Australian Government, and promises to deliver a vibrant cultural and community hub for South Melbourne and beyond. 

Once complete, the revitalised South Melbourne Town Hall will reopen in 2028, offering a range of modern facilities designed to serve both artistic and community needs. Highlights of the redevelopment include:

  • Two state-of-the-art public performance venues (350 and 150 seats) with upgraded front-of-house and back-of-house amenities.
  • Flexible spaces for community use.
  • Meeting rooms available for community hire.
  • Revitalised rehearsal and studio facilities.
  • A new catering kitchen for weddings and events, alongside a foyer bar and improved hospitality amenities.

This restoration is not just about preserving a beautiful heritage building, it’s about creating a space where music, culture, and community can thrive together. 

To stay informed about the progress of the South Melbourne Town Hall restoration, visit South Melbourne Town Hall Restoration.