By Bonny Burrows
New life may soon be brought to Dalmore Hall, with plans to restore the historical building to its former glory.
Cardinia Shire Council is seeking authorisation from State Planning Minister Richard Wynne to allow the owner to restore the hall and ensure its preservation through use as a dwelling.
The hall, formerly the hub of Dalmore community life, was built in the early 1920s.
It has previously hosted dancers, suppers, school concerts, church services, gymnastic classes, functions and kitchen teas for newlyweds.
The almost 100-year-old building also played an important role during WWII as a place of fund-raising for the Red Cross.
At the 24 April general council meeting, Cardinia Shire councillor Graeme Moore moved to amend the hall’s heritage overlay to allow restoration and use by the general public.
Currently, the property is zoned Special Use Zone-Schedule 1, prohibiting the use of the land as a dwelling.
Council voted to change this, as it believed regular use would contribute to the hall’s longevity.
“I’m dead in preserving heritage buildings in this shire … and this is one way of doing that,” Cr Moore said.
Councillor Ray Brown agreed, stating small halls were the “lifeblood” of their communities at their time.
“I’m very happy the hall is in a condition where it can be restored, and I support this wholeheartedly,” Cr Brown said.
If approved by the Planning Minister, the amendment would allow the owner to apply for “any use” of the building; however any plans would require the council’s go ahead.
This prospect excited councillors, who listed possibilities for its use including social, dining and entertainment options.
“It’s going to be a nice little property development,” Cr Moore said.
The council thanked the current owner for their dedication in preserving an important part of history.
