Brisbane City Hall

King George Square

By the start of the war in 1939, City Hall was Brisbane’s tallest building. It saw the first war voluntary organisations meeting. During 1940–41, it was Brisbane’s civil defence headquarters. It opened a childcare facility for war workers in 1942. From 1941–45, it was the venue for meetings in support of Australia’s allies, war bond rallies and receptions for dignitaries visiting Brisbane. During the same period, Albert Square i.e. King George Square) was a reception point for salvage drives, the scene of military parades and as a quiet relaxation and reflection spot. To signify the end of the wartime 'black-out', City Hall was specially decked out in Christmas lights to mark the end of the war on VJ Day.

Place information

Location

64 Adelaide Street

Brisbane, QLD 4000

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Place type

Recreation/community

History

Completed in 1930, Brisbane City Hall dominated the city skyline with its clock tower. It was the headquarters of the Greater Brisbane Council formed in 1925 by the amalgamation of the Brisbane Municipal Council with its surrounding town and shire councils. Albert Square, (later King George Square) featuring a statue of reigning British monarch King George VI, was a small public space in front of City Hall. Albert Street continued through to the intersection of Ann and Roma Streets with buildings such as the Tivoli Theatre fronting Albert Street and the Square.

In April 1939, just five months before the outbreak...

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