Council has begun a project to assess the feasibility of maximising the community use of the Town Hall site, with an option to consolidate and upgrade the building so it could become more of a community hub. The site includes the town hall, office accommodation and Senior Citizens' room (not the Daylesford pool).

The investigation would assess whether Daylesford Town Hall could be refurbished to include a library along with multi-purpose community spaces to cater for meetings, functions, performances and events.

Such a project would require many stages. These include (but are not limited to) architectural advice on the suitability of the site, community input, feasibility designs, concept designs, detailed designs and of course, funding.

Council has appointed k20 Architecture as the lead architect for the project after undertaking a detailed tender process. k20 Architecture are public project specialists, with strong experience in heritage, library, community hub and performing arts projects. Their experience is strong in engagement, sustainable design and heritage buildings.

The roofing and electrical works at Daylesford Town Hall are necessary to ensure the structural integrity of the building. The works are required regardless of any changes to the future use of the building.

After undertaking an expression of interest process, Council is pleased to appoint seven members to the advisory group. Council was pleased to receive a significant number of submissions. Advisory group membership includes Adam Fawcett, Joanne Tsakoumagos, John King, Louise Johnson, Matt Johnson, Sarah Bibby and Sarah Lang.

Advisory group membership reflects the diversity of the community. PAG members have a diverse range of knowledge, skills, experiences and community connections which will benefit the project.

The advisory group will assist project delivery by representing community needs through the design process as well as helping plan the broader community engagement stages of the project.

Daylesford Community Facilities project will see the design and development of a multi-purpose events space and library at the Daylesford Town Hall site. To assist in successfully delivering the project, Council has established a Project Advisory Group (PAG) consisting of seven community members.

The PAG will assist in successfully delivering the project by informing the design process and possible future stages of the project. Responsibilities of the PAG include:

• Representing broad community interests and needs, to help the project realise the vision and community needs.
• Engaging in the design process and providing input and ideas to the designers.
• Providing advice about how to effectively engage the broader Daylesford community on the project design.
• Sharing information about the project to the community through various community channels and groups.

The PAG will meet approximately once per month throughout the life of the project.

Council is now seeking to appoint a Youth Representative to the PAG via an Expression of Interest. Individuals under the age of 25 years or people with youth engagement experience will be prioritised for this position.

Prior to submitting an Expression of Interest, please review the Terms of Reference - Word doc or Terms of Reference - pdf.

Expressions of Interest close at 5pm Wednesday 5 June 2024.

Complete your Expression of Interest by responding to the following questions online at below or via hard copy. Hard copy Expressions of Interest are to be submitted via email to shire@hepburn.vic.gov.au or dropped into a Council customer service centre.

The iconic Daylesford Town Hall will be closed for essential electrical and roofing works for at least 18 months from September 2024. Priority works to protect the significant heritage building include repairs to the roof, parapets and chimneys, with electrical upgrades to commence once the roof is replaced.

Council will work with regular users of the building to help identify alternative venues while the building is closed. While the essential works are underway, the Council Chambers and Council staff who work in the Town Hall will relocate to 24 Vincent Street, Daylesford.

Read our media release from 28 February 2024 announcing this closure.

Community consultation has regularly highlighted the community’s strong connection to and importance of the Daylesford Town Hall. We encourage you to stay in touch with Council on this and other local matters. Follow us on Facebook , subscribe to our Hepburn Life enewsletter, visit our website, and keep an eye out for advertisements in local media.