Kylie Hilton braved the copperplate handwriting of the Trades Hall Association minute books to produce a fascinating short illustrated history of the building from the spawning of the idea of such a hall to the 21st century refurbishment.

The Sydney Trades Hall building is a physical reminder of the history and tradition of the Trade Union Movement in New South Wales, as well as a chronicler of the social and socio-economic history of the city.
Construction began in 1888, just 100 years after the arrival of the first European settlers, with the laying of the foundation stone by Lord Carrington. However, another 28 years were to pass efore the building was completed and stage five of the onstruction process officially signed off.

The building, which today is often referred to as the birthplace of the Trade Union Movement in New South Wales, still evokes strong and passionate feelings from those who once worked within its walls. “The Hall” was all things to all people - from being a meeting place for various associations and unions early in its life, to its subsequent role as provider of office space for unions, artists and professionals in the 1990s, and now, once again, the corporate headquarters for Unions NSW.

The Trades Hall building holds a significant place in Sydney’s historical, political and architectural heritage. Although the use of the building altered and diversified over the years it maintained its strong association with various trade unions and with the trade union movement generally. Until 1971 it was the central headquarters of the labour movement. However, the lack of adequate funding for upkeep and maintenance of the building, saw a slow but steady deterioration in the building fabric - internally and externally.

In 2002 Unions NSW (known at the time as the Labor Council of New South Wales) commissioned the conservation, restoration and refurbishment of the building. The aim was to return to the original purpose of the building - the headquarters of the New South Wales Union Movement. The plan was a bold one, and like the original design not without its share of controversy - a balance had to be struck between history and the exigencies of the 21st century.