Memorial Hall

Memorial Hall

The building comprises two interconnected parts: a smaller front block parallel to the street and a long auditorium block extending to the rear. The front block is symmetrically designed in simplified Classical style with Art-Deco leanings. A slightly advancing centrepiece is built in stone, whilst the remainder of the front and sides are rendered. The centrepiece features a rusticated lower storey with a double doorway beneath a segmental canopy on brackets, flanked by small narrow windows. Above is a tall round-headed window opening onto a balcony, framed by paired Tuscan pilasters rising from a prominent string course. The upper section carries an entablature composed of an architrave and decorative parapet, which displays the words "memorial institute" beneath a winged roundel dated 1926. The roof is hipped at each end, clad in artificial slate with bracketed eaves aligned to the level of the architrave. On each side of the centrepiece are paired windows set close together, with upstairs and downstairs windows linked by decorative panels and panels extending to ground level; the window frames are mostly replaced. The return elevations of the front block show two storeys of fenestration, also with replaced frames.

The rear auditorium block has plain rendered side elevations, except where it abuts the front building. Here, small high-level windows and a taller stairs window with decoratively arranged standard steel glazing bars (probably original) punctuate each side. Original foyer entrances are located at the sides adjacent to the front building. The auditorium block carries an artificial slate roof.

The building is designed as an 800-person auditorium with a suite of rooms at the front, the front entrance of which now serves the entire building. Interior detailing has been well preserved, with recent alterations executed in consistent style. The front entrance lobby features a central decorative ceiling roundel with bay-leaf garland ornament enclosed in an outer rectangle with Greek Key ornament. The floor is paved with small slate flags. A staircase is positioned at the left, with a relocated war memorial at the right. Double-glazed doors lead inward. A passage incorporating recently added disabled-access ramps with welded steel railings imitating the original wrought-iron railings of the auditorium stairs connects to the auditorium foyer. The foyer features fine original side entrance doors and a central ticket-kiosk in oak. The ceiling is decorated with eight-pointed star motifs. Symmetrical double doors provide access to the main auditorium, with symmetrical staircases and doors serving the gallery. These doors and the auditorium exit doors are similarly detailed, with upper portions glazed in herringbone bars.

The auditorium features a gallery at the rear only. The curved ceiling is slightly facetted with a bold eight-pointed central motif from which eight ribs terminate in stylised acanthus leaves. A central circular grille with octagonal surround is positioned at the apex, surrounded by a guilloche ornamental band. The curved gallery front is decorated with motifs incorporating the letter V. The strip hardwood floor has its rear section beneath the gallery raked. The stage occupies the front, dominated by a large proscenium with reeded surround. False organ pipes are positioned above, with front corner exit doors featuring a decorative motif incorporating musical instruments.