Trades Hall History
In the late nineteenth century there was a rapid growth in trade unionism in Melbourne. Branches of the unions soon spread throughout the state, forming a network of trade and labour associations.
Trade unions, or 'Trade Societies' as they were then known, were represented by a central body known as the Trades Hall Council. These bodies were a focus for the union movement and also provided a meeting place where workers could spend their leisure time in educational and cultural pursuits. But above all, it was here that union members met and planned their industrial strategies.
After the successful Eight Hour Day campaign of 1856, it was decided that a Trades Hall building should be built as a monument to this victory and also as a forum for all union concerns. The first Trades Hall building was constructed in 1859. It was a modest timber structure with a galvanised-iron roof, standing just north of the present Lygon Street entrance. Historians claim that this was the first building in the world to be constructed specifically for trade union business. (This original building was removed around 1917 to make way for extensions to the present one).
By the early 1870s, plans for a more substantial Trades Hall and Literary Institute were beginning to take shape, designed by prominent architect Joseph Reed. The foundation stone of the present building was laid on 26 January 1874. The Trades Hall was one of Melbourne's most prestigious public buildings of the 1870s and 1880s.
The Victorian Trades Hall Council or Workingman's Parliament became the headquarters for Victorian unions and was substantially extended during the 1880s as unions grew in numbers and financial strength. Women had also been actively involved in the unions' struggle for better working conditions. Following the successful Tailoresses Strike in 1882, Trades Hall leaders requested 14 acres of land in Lygon Street for the Female Operatives Hall. In those days females were not permitted entrance to the committee rooms of Trades Hall Council so it was necessary for a separate structure to be built. This building was demolished in 1960, to make way for further additions to the present Trades Hall complex.
Victorian Trades Hall Council has had many additions and changes since its beginnings in the 1870s, however, it remains the oldest Trades Hall building in Australia to still be used for its original purpose.
While much has been done in recent years to restore and renovate the building, much work remains: completing restoration of the Southern Hall, restoring the old Council Chamber, the ballrooms, the first floor verandah and access ways, and groundfloor workrooms. The external fabric of the building also needs repair.
A completely restored Trades Hall will be a working asset, not only for unions, but also for the wider community. $2 million must be raised in order to complete renovations. Your contributions will help to bring this goal to fruition for present and future generations.
The Trades Hall building is classified by the National Trust and is included on the register of Historic Buildings (Victoria).
To make a donation, print the form below and forward with your contribution to:
Trades Hall Restoration Appeal:
