UPDATE: The historic Higgs Hall at Girton Grammar has been granted a temporary reprieve from demolition as community members share heartfelt memories of the beloved building. The Bendigo council has extended the deadline for demolition from September 2 to early December 2023, allowing more time for discussions on potential solutions.
The decision comes after builders uncovered critical structural issues, including severe borer and termite damage, prompting the council to issue an emergency order for demolition. Sam Johnston, the council’s safe environment manager, confirmed the extension, stating, “The emergency order has been extended … with revisions made to the demolition plan following further consultation with contractors and Girton Grammar.”
The future of Higgs Hall remains uncertain, but there is hope that a revised plan may allow for the preservation of more of the structure. The discussions about the hall’s fate are confidential, highlighting the urgency surrounding the situation. In the meantime, safety barriers are still in place, and students have not been able to use the hall.
Higgs Hall holds a special place in the hearts of many, having served as a central hub for students for decades. Recently shared images from the Old Girtonians’ Association showcase the hall’s rich history, featuring moments from award ceremonies to school productions dating back to 1993. Former students have taken to social media to reminisce about their experiences, with one user recalling, “DJ’d the socials in there in years 10 and 11,” while another reflected on the hall’s significance in their life, saying, “So many memories in this special place.”
Principal Dr. Emma O’Rielly has expressed the importance of honoring these memories while planning for the future. “We will be celebrating these memories as we make plans for the future that are sympathetic to the history of the Hall,” she emphasized in a recent message to the school community.
As the community rallies around Higgs Hall, the outcome of the negotiations will be closely watched. The next steps remain critical, with the deadline approaching and strong emotions tied to the building’s fate. The ongoing discussions serve as a reminder of the hall’s deep-rooted connection to generations of students, and its potential loss resonates widely.
Community members and alumni alike are encouraged to stay informed as this story develops. With the future of Higgs Hall hanging in the balance, every voice and memory shared will contribute to shaping its legacy.
