Multiplex appointed to Trades Hall, Carlton restoration

Multiplex has been appointed by the Trades Hall & Literary Institute to work on the Trades Hall Living Heritage Project, funded by the State Government of Victoria.

Multiplex will undertake restoration and refurbishment works to the historic three-level Trades Hall building in Victoria Street, Carlton.

Victoria’s Trades Hall is Australia’s oldest and largest trades hall. The prominent Carlton landmark continues to serve as a hub for union organisation

It was constructed in 10 stages, the most significant occurring between 1876 to 1925.

The Trades Hall Living Heritage Project is led by architect and heritage consultant Lovell Chen.

The project focuses on conservation works and refurbishment for the main public spaces in the 3,800 square metre heritage-listed building.

Works include refurbishment to the New Council Chamber and building services upgrades.

A key driver of the project is to open up the historic building and enable public access.

“We are delighted to be appointed to restore Trades Hall and breathe new life into this historic Carlton building,” said Graham Cottam, Regional Managing Director Multiplex Victoria.

This is one of the first major building projects to benefit from the Government’s recently establishedLiving Heritage Grants Program.

The grant funding is enabling the refurbishment project, plus essential conservation and activation works such as roofing works and repairs to the Lygon Street portico.

Detailed conservation works will include the specialist restoration of several of the main interiors, including those in the Old Council Chamber (pictured below), and the New and Old Ballrooms. The Old Council Chamber officially opened in 1884.

The original 1880s decorative scheme, including significant portraits and elaborate wall treatments, is the work of prominent decorators of the period, C.S. Paterson Brothers.

The Trades Hall Living Heritage Project is scheduled for completion in mid-2019.