SECOND ACT

A dynamic design duo has sensitively repurposed this storied pub into an inviting family home.

- CARLI PHILIPS

When Ed and Edwina Glenn first came across South Melbourne’s tired Town Hall Hotel, it still had all the characteristics of a typical Aussie pub: sticky floors, a commercial kitchen, roof flagpoles and a bistro. While thriving in its heyday with rumours of The Rolling Stones stopping by for a drink and Elton John playing the piano, it had fallen into disrepair. Over the last decade, developers frequently – yet unsuccessfully – tried their hand, so it stood mostly empty, a ghost of its former self. The only exception was a rowdy, once-a-year party thrown by the owner during the Melbourne Cup racing carnival.

Long-time residents of the area, Ed and Edwina were on the hunt for an adaptive re-use property. Given the Town Hall’s size and condition, “it really was a leap of faith”, says Ed, architect and director of Powell & Glenn. “There was definitely some ‘should we-shouldn’t we’ conversations. It did cross our minds that we could get people knocking on the door at 3am asking for a draught, but we made a list and the pros beat the cons.” Ed drew up a plan early on but didn’t think Edwina, an interior architect who runs her own eponymous practice, would go for it. “I was surprised and excited when she said it ‘feels like home’.”

While transforming the hospitality venue into a private home was a project of epic proportions, restoring the iconic exterior was just as important to the couple who recognised its importance to the neighbours and heritage streetscape. Repairs were made to the signage, the outside freshly painted and although additions were made to the first floor, they were done at the rear and with a light touch that didn’t compromise the view.