Now over 100-years old, the Heritage-listed Building at 66 Station Street requires sympathetic remedial work after weather and old age have left the structure in need of a tune up.
Managed by Mornington Peninsula Shire, the repair project is designed to restore the building back to its original condition and to ensure the Somerville icon lasts well into the next century. Built in 1891, the main hall continues to be a popular community venue for events, including markets, birthday celebrations, family reunions, dances and more.
The two front rooms – added in 1916 – are now used by the Somerville, Tyabb and District Heritage Society. It's from here that the group of passionate volunteers run a museum, showcasing the town's rich history.
This repair project, valued at $150,000, is being funded through the Shire's Minor Renewal Program. The project will include roof works and stormwater upgrades, along with façade repairs to the masonry around the windows, entry arch and southern wall. Internally, we will also be replacing hardwood skirting boards and repairing the existing wall render in one of the front rooms.
Works were originally scheduled to start in late 2023 but were paused after it was identified that a more complex engineering solution was needed to restore the intricate masonry work on the facade. Works will now begin on 13 March, with the building reopening on 31 May 2024. During this time, the building (including museum and hall) will be closed to the public.
Changed traffic and footpath conditions and minor delays may be experienced during works, but we expect the impacts to vehicles and pedestrians to be minimal. Nearby residents and traders have been notified of the upcoming works.
