Public and civic works
Most public work was carried out by the Government Architect’s office and while a high quality was achieved, commercial firms were excluded. The competition in 1900 for a new General Post Office for Brisbane was an exception and allowed private architectural firms to compete. This was the result of lobbying by the architectural profession.
Hall & Dods New municipal buildings Maryborough (side elevation and sections) 1906, John Oxley Library State Library of Queensland 27671/100
Hall & Dods were placed second for the GPO, which did not proceed at that time. Local government was a more likely source for work and the design for a new town hall for Brisbane was certainly pursued but without result. The town hall in Maryborough was the largest civic project completed by the partnership, although new grandstands for the Woolloongabba Cricket Ground and for the Eagle Farm Racecourse were also carried out.
Maryborough Town Hall
This new public building replaced Maryborough’s modest town hall, and was made possible by a £10,000 gift from local benefactor George Ambrose White. Hall & Dods were selected as architects, with a recommendation by the Government Architect AB Brady that Robin Dods was “one of the best architects in the Commonwealth”. Upon completion, the auditorium seated 900, although its capacity was increased substantially in 1935 when a larger clock tower replaced the original and the building was enlarged. The Council Chamber, damaged by fire in 1990, was reconstructed and is considered one of Dods’ finest interiors.
Last updated: 14th December 2011
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