A ‘hall’ lot of history will be available for future generations in Exeter.
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Wingecarribee Shire mayor councillor Ken Halstead officially opened the newly refurbished Exeter Hall on March 20.
“Over the course of its 115 year history, Exeter Hall has played host to hundreds of dances, concerts, socials and family get-togethers,” he said.
After more than a century of service it was in need of a make-over to help bring it up to modern standards. Cr Halstead said aside from being one of the shire’s most picturesque community halls, it was also one of the richest in terms of history and heritage.
“We thought it imperative that any improvements remain as faithful as possible to the original designs,” he said.
Built in 1902 at a cost of £630, records show the original hall plans featured a much grander building. The plans incorporated both large and small halls, library and offices but a lack of funds meant only the small hall was built.
Following the recent $1.3 million upgrade, the hall now features a new commercial kitchen and hall space, internal toilets, external public toilets, sports change rooms and a new audio system funded in part by a $10,000 grant from the Veolia Mulwaree Trust.
“The upgrade is the result of a broader community effort,” he said.
“As a result, this lovely old hall is sure to have many more years of serving the people of Exeter left in her.”
Exeter Hall is located on Exeter Road, Exeter.