Lovell Chen creates enduring value through responsible stewardship, design-excellence and strategic foresight

The Broken Hill Trades Hall was constructed over two stages in 1898 and 1905, in the burgeoning mining town where the efforts of the unions were key to the safety of local workers. The establishment of the trades hall was a significant moment in the town, and the two-storey building comprises a main hall, offices and other spaces for union members to gather, fundraise and organise. The main building substantially intact, and is a significant contributor to the Victorian-era fabric of Broken Hill. Broken Hill Trades Hall remains as the centre for championing workers’ rights in this remote part of the country. The trades hall is part of the National Heritage listing of the town, and with the Victorian Trades Hall, it is one of several international trades halls included in the World Heritage bid for Workers’ Assembly Halls.

The current use of the site and its remote location was considered in relation to the ongoing and future management of the place, and informed the development of conservation and management policies.  Stakeholder engagement with both the place managers and the Commonwealth department further assisted the preparation of the report.  The policies addressed a number of issues including the potential for change, and identify opportunities for trades hall to continue to contribute to the community of Broken Hill, recognising the importance of Broken Hill Trades Hall to the town.