Paddington Town Hall To Undergo Multi-Million Dollar Revamp

Paddington Town Hall is set to undergo a multi-million dollar revamp, with the City of Sydney turning to locals for feedback on what is one of the city’s most important civic buildings.

Built in 1891, the state heritage listed town hall features rare interior elements by Canberra’s city design, architect. Walter Burley Griffin.

“This wonderful building is emblematic of the Victorian free classical architecture of the time and is now being given its first major upgrade in more than 50 years,” said Lord Mayor of Sydney, Clover 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.”

The original building, including furnishings and a 32-metre-tall clock tower, cost £13,000 when it was first built. However, the clock itself was not installed until 1905, done so to commemorate the coronation of King Edward VII. 

Renovations to restore and preserve historical site

The large main hall was used for community events throughout the 1930s, such as balls, formal dinners, lectures, wedding receptions and public ceremonies. 

In 1966 it was the venue for the first Aboriginal Debutante Ball in Sydney and in the 1970s sell-out crowds flocked to the main hall to watch performances from seminal punk bands like The Saints and Radio Birdman. 

Today the hall is home to a library and cinema, with Stapleton Hall used by arts and cultural organisations, community groups, charities and schools.

The city plans to make the building more accessible, welcoming and functional. The proposed renewal will see modernised building services and facilities, improved access and versatility of internal spaces, and the restoration and protection of important heritage elements. 

The building’s role as a hub for cultural and community use will also be enhanced, including the retainment of the library jointly operated by the City of Sydney and Woollahra Council.

Community consultation will be open until 25 September, with the designs for the building’s renewal will be published and open for feedback in 2026.