Lord Mayor Campbell Newman today unveiled the new Council Chambers at 157 Ann Street where council will sit for the next three years.
The finishing touches are being put to the $1.5 million Council Chambers ahead of the first Council meeting of the year tomorrow.
The Lord Mayor said the new Chambers were purpose built, with the building to be used as office space after City Hall was reopened in three years time.
“Space inside the Chambers is somewhat smaller than City Hall because we are operating out of a commercial office building,” he said.
“Once the restoration is complete, City Hall functions will relocate back to the iconic building at King George Square and 157 Ann Street will be used to provide office accommodation for other Council business units.
“Members of the public are able to view ordinary meetings with the public gallery located at the back of the Chambers on level six. The building is just towards Central Station up the road from King George Square.”
Cr Newman said Council had found alternative venues for other City Hall users, including charities and community groups.
The 6500-square metre City Hall site requires a $215 million restoration, making it the largest restoration of a heritage-listed building undertaken in Australia.
In November 2008, an independent report by the City Hall 2010 Committee found the building had serious structural, electrical, mechanical, hydraulic and safety issues, and recommended that without immediate action, City Hall could face permanent closure.
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