Council History

The story of Randwick City Council

See Randwick's history from a Council perspective, view a timeline of significant local events, and get the story behind the Council logo and seal.

For further information refer to the award winning book Randwick written by Pauline Curby. You can download the first chapter PDF, 3667.07 KB, or visit the library to purchase or borrow a copy of the book.

Randwick Town Hall

Read the history of Randwick Town hall

1859 - 1895

1859

  • Randwick Borough Council meets for the first time in the Randwick Destitute Children's Asylum, opposite High Cross Park now part of Prince of Wales Hospital. Simeon Henry Pearce elected first Mayor of Randwick. The Pearce family emigrated from Randwick, Gloucestershire England. This is the origin of our name. The Pearce Dynasty became market gardeners and pioneers of this part of Sydney.
1862
  • Randwick Borough Chambers built. Designed by architect Thomas Rowe who also designed the Great Sydney Synagogue. Randwick Council Chambers, Council meetings held here. Now part of the St Jude's complex.

1881

  • Architects Blackmann and Parkes call for building tenders for a new Town Hall at Randwick, fronting Avoca Street. Built by contractor RG Keats.

1882

  • Randwick Town Hall opens, 3rd February 1882,  Mayor of Randwick,  John See MLA who resided  at 'Urara' in Milford Street Randwick.

1886

  • Public gardens dedicated behind the Town Hall later taken over by the Tramway network.

1886-1888

  • Alderman Simeon Pearce submitted a plan to Council to add two wings to the town hall to accommodate the Randwick School of Arts and to provide accommodation for the Randwick Town Clerk and Engineer.

1892

  • Randwick Volunteer Fire Brigade at the Randwick Town Hall.

1892

  • Architect John Kirkpatrick submitted extensive renovation plans to Council. It was decided to only proceed with the new staircase to the Council Chambers on level one.

1895

  • The original Borough Chambers sold to St Jude's Church. Today It is still an iconic part of the St Jude's complex, serving as administrative offices.
Last Updated: 5 June 2025
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