The 2019 restoration of Glenelg Town Hall’s southern facade and clocktower exemplifies the delicate balance between preserving historical integrity and ensuring structural longevity. G-Force undertook this ambitious project with meticulous attention to period-appropriate techniques, particularly evident in their approach to the building’s deteriorating render.

After stripping years of accumulated paint layers, the team discovered significant decay in the underlying surfaces, necessitating a comprehensive rehabilitation using specially formulated heritage-approved lime render that matched the original composition. This commitment to authenticity extended to the careful reconstruction of decorative elements, where artisans hand-carved new curtain scrolls from Waikerie Limestone using traditional methods that honored the building’s original craftsmanship.

The clocktower restoration presented its own set of intricate challenges, demanding a harmonious blend of historical preservation and modern functionality. The project team dismantled and refurbished the entire clock mechanism, carefully preserving its historical integrity while ensuring reliable operation for future generations.

The addition of clear perspex viewing boxes around the restored mechanism and gears transformed this functional component into an educational exhibit, allowing visitors to observe the intricate workings of this historical timepiece. The tower’s cupola underwent equally thorough attention, with workers replacing its lead roof, incorporating modern waterproofing measures, and restoring the weathervane to full functionality after years of deterioration had rendered it immobile.

The project’s scope expanded significantly beyond initial assessments when the paint removal process revealed the true extent of the building’s deterioration. The entrance portico, initially slated for demolition due to concrete cancer and structural instability, was saved through innovative engineering solutions that included the removal of corroded steel, installation of new reinforcing, and application of protective sealants.

This adaptive approach to conservation challenges exemplifies the project team’s commitment to preserving original elements wherever possible, adhering to the Burra Charter’s principles of minimal intervention. The successful restoration required close collaboration between skilled trades, heritage architects, and engineers, resulting in solutions that respected the building’s historical significance while ensuring its structural integrity for future generations.