Newmarket Memorial Hall

In May 1925 a tender was called for the demolition of the recreation hall at Rosemount and for re-erection of the same at the Kelvin Grove tram terminus with alterations etc., for conversion into a Memorial Hall, with the plans and specifications available from Sidney William Prior, Architect. The tender for the hall was let in July 1925 to builder W. Chaplain.

Architect Sidney William Prior who was involved in the project had served in the First World War, beginning private practice in Brisbane in 1923. He also became a life member of the Returned Soldier's League.

At the opening of the Memorial Hall, on 23 October 1925, it was noted that the hall was originally the gymnasium erected at the White City A.T.F camp Enoggera, which was subsequently relocated to Rosemount Hospital Site, and then purchased by the Kelvin Grove Amateur Athletic Club for £300. The relocation, extension and alterations cost £1,208.  

At the opening of the White City A.T.F Camp in March 1916, it was noted that a gymnasium had been recently erected. From photographs of the c1916 hall, it would appear the general form was retained in its relocation. Plans of the site dated 1938 and an aerial photograph dated 1946 show the hall subsequently being shifted on the site 90 degrees anticlockwise sometime after 1946 instead of its original siting with the entrance on Enoggera Road. 

It retained its association with the defence forces, often recalled by diggers for its dances during the Second World War. Until recently the Naval Association owned or leased the hall. It is now owned and managed by the Incapacitated Servicemen and Women's Association of Australia Inc. (I.S.A.), an organisation formed in 1928 to promote the welfare of incapacitated servicemen.

Few if any traces of the interior lining or detailing are now visible, with ceiling and walls lined with post-war panelling. The hall retains traces of enclosed window or verandah openings along one side wall, and the stylish entrance with its detailed lintels over door and flanking windows.

1. The Queenslander Saturday 1 July 1916 p 22

2. Daily Standard Friday 1 May 1925 p 9

3. The Telegraph Saturday 18 June 1921 p 15

4. The Telegraph Wednesday 27 May 1925 p 15

5. The Telegraph Thursday 15 October 1925 p 5