Maryborough’s City Hall, Clock and Bell Towers

Framed by trees and green space, Maryborough’s picturesque City Hall presents a rare vista for savouring classical Southern American colonial architecture favoured by the Victorians.

The national architectural journal, Building, described it as ‘simplicity with dignity in a splendid fashion’ when it opened in 1908. While its steeply pitched gabled roof, wide steps and four Tuscan Order columns defining the portico awed many, a few locals complained (as locals do) about its plain style and ‘red-brickiness’.

 in 1934 the magnificent chiming clock tower was added, along with the fly tower and expanded side verandas. Later extensions were built on the Lennox Street side.

The clock tower, a graceful keeper of time in the city’s historic heart, serenades Maryborough’s streets every quarter hour with the iconic Westminster quarter chimes. Chiming is suspended from 6.45pm to 7am to allow nearby residents a more peaceful night.

Local benefactor Mr George Ambrose White donated £10,000 for the new town hall, with money to be repaid at 5% annually. The council grabbed the deal because George was in failing health and had no heirs but he lived on for many years, with a fair sum repaid before his death.

George, who also donated a swimming pool to the township after a boy drowned in the river, is revered in a sculpture in the lobby leading to an ornate auditorium with a vaulted ceiling and suspended gallery. Rich timbers and panelling throughout create a superb atmosphere. Fine parquetry is found in the ornate clock and lectern in the council chamber.

The landmark City Hall is a symbol of Maryborough’s enduring civic pride.  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maryborough_City_Hall