Scotch College

Memorial Hall refurbishment

Memorial Hall refurbishment well on track

The 2001 and 2002 Annual Giving Program focused on raising funds to support the refurbishment of the School's Memorial Hall. It is pleasing to report that much progress has been made and the results are very impressive.

Inside, a new plaster ceiling has been installed with down lights under the balcony. The wall, door and stage timber paneling has been re-varnished. The internal brickwork has been cleaned and any cracks repaired, and the stone window borders have all been cleaned, probably for the first time since 1922! In the apse the tilework has been cleaned and walls and ceiling have been repainted. The parquetry floor has been stripped, repaired and re-sealed with polyurethane, and the power supply has been upgraded with new re-wiring throughout the building. Exit signs and emergency lighting have also been added with a very early smoke detection apparatus to complete the upgrade to safety aspects of the Hall.

Outside changes have also been made. New stormwater drains have been added and repairs to the damp proof course in brickwork has been completed. Pine trees and other shrubs have been removed and the garden beds surrounding the building have been lowered. The external brickwork has also been repaired and general repairs have been made to the roof flashing, guttering and down pipes.

The purchase of a heritage organ (which is currently being restored) for the Memorial Hall was in many ways a catalyst for the previously mentioned works. The external facade of the organ chamber was designed to accord with the architectural language of the Gothic-revival style Memorial Hall. Red bricks were carefully matched to those existing and laid in Flemish bond with the outer form designed to continue the buttresses to the existing walls. The copper roof and panels echo the pattern and material of the existing spire. The windows to the chamber were designed as proportional reductions of the lancet windows to the north and south facades.

During 2003 the restoration and installation of the organ, gifted by the Presbyterian Church in Sydney, will take place. Already some pipes have been installed. Completion and tuning should occur before the start of term one in 2004. Many thanks to everyone who contributed to the Annual Giving to make this project possible.