UPDATE: The beloved Higgs Hall at Girton Grammar has received a crucial reprieve from demolition, as officials extend the deadline for a potential solution to early December 2023. This urgent development comes after the Bendigo Council discovered serious structural issues, including extensive borer and termite damage, labeling the hall “a danger to life or property.”
The council originally mandated that nearly all of Higgs Hall be demolished by September 2. However, in a significant turn of events, Sam Johnston, the council’s safe environment manager, announced that the emergency order has been revised. “The emergency order has been extended … with revisions made to the demolition plan following further consultation with contractors and Girton Grammar,” he stated.
Community members have rallied around the historic hall, sharing heartfelt memories of their time spent there. The Old Girtonians’ Association has published nostalgic images showing the hall’s legacy, including students receiving awards and participating in school productions dating back to 1993. One former student reminisced, “DJ’d the socials in there in years 10 and 11. Many great times in there!”
Principal Dr. Emma O’Rielly has expressed the significance of Higgs Hall, assuring the community that plans will honor its historical value. “We will be celebrating these memories as we make plans for the future that are sympathetic to the history of the Hall,” she noted in a recent message.
While safety barriers remain in place, students have not used the hall since the council’s emergency order. Discussions about the future of Higgs Hall are ongoing and remain confidential. A final plan could potentially preserve more of the building than initially expected.
As this story develops, the community remains hopeful that the hall, a central part of countless students’ lives, can be saved. The emotional impact of this space is undeniable, with many reflecting on the “embarrassing moments, songs sung, and spirit cups.”
Stay tuned for more updates on this urgent situation as Girton Grammar works towards a solution that balances safety and historical preservation.
