The image shows a curved indoor balcony with a large stained glass window and two black pillars. The ceiling is decorated with ornate molding and the walls are painted a soft pink.
The black and white photo depicts a brick building with five large white columns at the entrance and arched windows above. The structure is set against a clear sky with visible streetlights and power lines.
The close-up image displays a detailed architectural decoration featuring a lion's head sculpture and floral patterns. The intricate carvings appear to be made of stone and are part of a doorway or wall.

Maribyrnong Civic Precinct and Community Hub

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Architect/Designer: Joseph Plottel 1936, DesignInc 2024.

Description

Originally constructed in 1936 and listed on the Victorian Heritage Register, Footscray Town Hall is a landmark civic building that reflects the confidence and ambition of a growing industrial city. Striking Romanesque Revival details remain throughout, including the marble elliptical staircase, richly detailed interiors, and the Footscray Coat of Arms mosaic that anchors the building’s civic identity.

Completed in late 2024, the carefully considered redevelopment re‑imagines the Town Hall as a contemporary Council Precinct and Community Hub. Designed to effortlessly marry old and new, the project respects the building’s heritage fabric while introducing light‑filled offices, flexible community rooms and a civic green that opens the site to daily public use. Achieving a 6 Star Green Star rating, the transformation reflects a commitment to sustainability, accessibility and long‑term civic stewardship.

For Open House Melbourne 2026, Footscray Town Hall exemplifies the Generous City: a historic place renewed to serve, welcome and belong to its community—now and into the future.

What's On

Join DesignInc architect Jesse Newstadt for a guided tour of the newly renovated public areas. He'll discuss the process and challenges of transforming the historic landmark into a 6 Star Green Star-rated contemporary precinct. 

Images: (1-3) Maribyrnong Council Precinct and Community Hub. All photos: courtesy Maribyrnong City Council.

Important Details

Tour/event summary information

Friday 24 July
Tours run 10am, 12pm + 2pm
Running for 90 minutes in groups of 30

Bookings

Bookings required—$7 booking fee applies
First release tickets: 12pm Wednesday 1 July
Second release tickets: 10am Saturday 4 July

Book

Accessibility

Ramp or level (step free) entry, Lift access to all public levels, Accessible bathrooms, All-gender bathrooms, Parent's Room, Accessible parking

Location

61 Napier St, Footscray VIC 3011

Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Country

What's on nearby

Explore Precinct
The building labeled
Footscray Market

Saturday 25 July

Tour goers taking in the historical Barkly Theatre Facade
The frontage of The Grand Theatre with the tin cladding covering the historical facade 1980, 
Inside The Grand Theatre with the proud owner looking on sitting in the stalls,
People walking in their finest outfits on the Footscray Train station offramp with cinema advertising hoardings in the background.
The exterior of The Barkly Theatre in its prime with towers clearly visible on the roof.
Footscray Heritage Theatres

Sunday 26 July

A park scene with numerous people sitting and walking on the grass, surrounded by trees and a large, woven structure providing shade. In the background, a city skyline is visible under a clear, blue sky.
Footscray Community Arts

Friday 24 July, Saturday 25 July

A desk and computer monitor with different images of traffic moving across roads.
Transurban Freeway Control Centre

Saturday 25 July, Sunday 26 July

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