By Vanessa Chircop
USE of the Williamstown Town Hall could be at risk if urgent repair works are not undertaken soon.
The council last week moved to undertake emergency maintenance works on the Williamstown Town Hall Grand Hall ceiling, after it was revealed it was in dire need of repair.
The repairs, which will cost more than $730,000, will be made to not only the Grand Hall ceiling but the Supper Room roof and ceiling as well.
Significant deterioration and structural problems were identified – with the plaster panels in the Grand Hall ceiling warped and cracked and the Supper Room roof needing to be replaced.
Hobsons Bay Councillor Peter Hemphill said the problems came down to years, possibly decades of neglect.
“I’m happy that we’re fast forwarding this and putting in the money to fix up this particular room because it’s a pretty grand old place,” he said.
Cr Bill Tehan said the council was surprised by the damage to the external roof but were committed to fixing the problem.
“As we progress through the place we seem to be getting problem after problem that we’re addressing both financially and strategically,” he said.
Cr Tehan added that he hopes to see the iconic Williamstown monument restored to its “grand old glory” soon.
