The members of the Panarcadian Association of Melbourne and Victoria ‘O Kolokotronis’, were proud to celebrate the 100-year story of Loco Hall with a cocktail party that was held on Friday 14 November.

The historic building at 570 Victoria Street in North Melbourne, which now houses the association’s club rooms, was originally built in 1914. Loco Hall was saved by the association after being acquired by the Arcadians in 1985. It originally served as a movie theatre and then housed the Locomotive Association of Victoria head office. Taking into consideration the building’s design and purpose, the Panarcadian Committee decided not to change its basic structure, yet they refurbished the exterior as well as the interior to help turn it into a cultural centre.

The Panarcadian Association president Dimitrios Alexopoulos stressed that maintaining the train figurine on the roofline, preserving the hall’s early 19th century character, was essential during the renovation. Throughout these years, the Arcadians overcame financial and other difficulties, managing to restore the smaller function room on level one and the main function room on level two, as well as the distinctive pressed metal ceiling. The pieces that were damaged are kept within the premises and have been replaced with replicas. The refurbishment project commenced on April 2012 and was completed two years ago.

This year’s 100th anniversary was also highlighted by an exhibition of historic photos and documents, along with the presentation of a bilingual book on the building’s history, entitled Loco Hall 1914-2014.