The current Undera Memorial Hall was built in 1928 from bricks cast on site. The original timber hall it replaced was thought to have been demolished to make way for the new building, but according to the Greater Shepparton Heritage Study, it survived.
The timber hall was built in the latter part of the 1800s and served the growing Undera community.
The fact it was relocated to Young St, Mooroopna, in 1930 seems to have been lost over time.
Myles Nicholl, who has served for many years on the committee for the current Undera Memorial Hall, was flabbergasted when contacted about the old hall.
“I’m nearly 70 years old and I can tell you this is the first I’ve ever heard of it,” he said.
“I know some people in Undera who are getting on in life who will love to have a look.”
Mr Nichol said he remembered the old blacksmiths and church, both now long gone, and he doubted even the oldest residents were aware the original hall still existed.
“I’m very intrigued by it and I’m very keen to have a look,” he said.
The revelation is tempered by the fact that Grater Shepparton City Council is dealing with an application to demolish the old hall.
The application states: “The land cannot be used as the building is in such poor condition. Council have attended due to heritage overlay and a builder also, who has deemed the building unfit for repair.”
In addition to being covered by a heritage overlay the site is recorded as locally significant although the façade has been modified to accommodate its “adaptive re-use”, with the front door relocated to allow for the construction of large glazed windows for a shopfront.
The Statement of Significance continues: “The former hall is of local historic, social and aesthetic cultural heritage significance to the City of Greater Shepparton. It is of significance as it demonstrates how buildings that were no longer useful in one location were moved to other locations. The evidence of its adaptive reuse is important, as it demonstrates the once common practice of recycling buildings with a minimum of change and expense.”
The demolition is currently on public notice, with a decision not expected on the hall's future until early next year.
