Sydney council seeks input on renewal of historic Paddington Town Hall

The City of Sydney is seeking feedback to help shape the planning and design of a multimillion-dollar renewal of the state-heritage-listed Paddington Town Hall on Oxford Street.

Built in 1891 to the design of architect John Edward Kemp, the two-storey town hall is an example of the Victorian Free Classical architectural style and was the result of an international design competition. Its standout features include a 32-metre clock tower, an open colonnade to Oxford Street and rows of Roman-arched windows flanked by corinthian pilasters.

The original building, including furnishings and the clock tower, cost £13,000. However, the clock tower itself was not added to the building until 1905 - to commemorate the coronation of King Edward VII.

According to the NSW State Heritage Inventory, the town hall has historical, aesthetic and social significance. The building was the venue for the first Aboriginal Debutante Ball in Sydney in 1966 and the fourth National Homosexual Conference of 1978, which passed a motion to commemorate the first Mardi Gras.

It also contains what the heritage inventory describes as "very rare surviving public interior design elements by Walter Burley Griffin," who designed the interior renovations in the 1930s to make the hall more suitable for dances.

Today, the historic town hall houses a library, a cinema and Stapleton Hall, which is used by arts and cultural organisations, community groups, charities and schools.

According to the council, the upgrades will improve accessibility, functionality and versatility of the building, modernise building services and amenities, repair and protect important historical features, and strengthen the buildings's role as a cultural and community hub. The existing library will be retained.

Lord Mayor of Sydney Clover Moore said it is the first major upgrade for the building in more than 50 years. "This wonderful building is emblematic of the Victorian free classical architecture of the time," said Moore. "We're asking the community to share their stories with us about the building, what their connection is and what memories they have of this historic venue."

Feedback can be submitted online until 25 September 2025.