Although Melbourne was designated as a town in 1842, it would be a dozen years before the mayor and local officials could move into government headquarters. The first building did not last long. It was torn down in 1867 in anticipation of a quick completion of its replacement. Twenty years later, the new Melbourne Town Hall was finished based on the Second Empire design of Joseph Reed. The namesake for this Prince Alfred’s Tower was the second son of Queen Victoria and Duke of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha from 1893 until 1900. Melbourne Town Hall is now a special event venue ranging from small private parties and wedding receptions to concert and theatre performances.
