As you continue your walk down St John Street, look to your right for an impressive building that stands out with its striking Italianate style. This is the Launceston Town Hall, and it’s absolutely unmissable with its grand colonnade, featuring a series of tall, white columns. The building’s ornate detailing and the flags fluttering atop it give it a regal look, akin to a historical European palace.
The Launceston Town Hall, located at 18/28 St John Street, was commissioned in 1864 by the Launceston Town Council. The project was designed by architect Peter Mills, and the foundation stone was laid on 21 April 1864 by the then Governor of Tasmania, Thomas Gore Browne. Imagine how it was in those days-think horse-drawn carriages stopping by what was then a burgeoning civic hub!
By 1867, the Town Hall was ready to serve the community. But over the years, it experienced several expansions and modifications. Think of it as a grand old house that has been renovated to keep up with the times. In 1906, it got its first major expansion, but the grand addition took place in 1936 when the building’s colonnade was extended, adding five new columns to the original four. This gave it even more of a pronounced majestic look.
If the building could talk, it would tell you about the makeover in 1970, and a few more touch-ups in 1988 and 1994. All these efforts have kept it looking as glorious as ever. The main façade, with its imposing colonnade, truly stands as a testament to its historic and architectural significance in Launceston.
So, take a moment to appreciate the grandeur of the Town Hall, and if you’re lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of some official activity or a community event happening inside!
