Ballarat Heritage Buildings ~ March
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Completed in 1870, this distinctive two storey classical revival building, with central mansarded clock tower of two levels and unusual pedimented end pavilions featuring fan-shaped glazing, is one of the few grand-scale symmetrical town hall design in Victoria, and reflects the civic pride of the Ballarat citizens of the 1860s, and their vision for the future. equipped with a peal of bells. Eight bells have chimed out across the city since the 1870s from the Town Hall Tower, which currently stands two storeys above the main building. Although much of the building has been extensively modernised, the elaborately decorated and skylight stair hall and the mayor's room and adjoining council chamber, complete with the original 1860s chamber furniture, are intact. Having retained its natural cement render external finish as well as the stone dressings at ground floor level enhances the building.
The Ballarat Mining Exchange was built between 1887-9, and was used for trading of shares in mining companies during the Gold Rush era. The Mining Exchange underwent a major refurbishment in 2004, and still retains many of the heritage features. Today it is a venue for formal occasions like weddings and community events.
View of the corner of Lydiard St South and Sturt Street as seen from Lydiard St North. These are the main streets in Ballarat. During the late afternoon, the setting sun turns this hetitage building a rich colour reminiscent of the goldrush wealth that was the genesis of this city.
Heritage buildings lining Lydiard St. The Old Colonist's Hall has an impressive facade. It also has examples of beautiful balustrading which are not in view.