Farewell to an icon: John E Higgs Hall and a New Chapter for Girton
In 2024, Girton Grammar School commenced planning to renovate and upgrade the John E Higgs Hall on the Junior School campus, a project intended to revitalise the space and usher in a new era of events for the School.
As part of early works, engineering assessments recommended that the northern wall, facing the Jan Thomas Building along Vine Street, be rebuilt. Out of an abundance of caution, temporary propping was installed and classes were relocated from the Jan Thomas Building (T Block) while further investigations were undertaken. Subsequent assessments identified additional long-term structural deterioration, and following consultation with City of Greater Bendigo, the School received a demolition order for the Hall. Demolition works commenced over the Christmas break.
While this has created temporary challenges for class locations and play spaces, our students have shown trademark resilience and positivity, continuing with learning and school life as usual. We remain hopeful that the majority of works will be completed by the end of April 2026, allowing classes to return to the Jan Thomas Building and the front playground to reopen.
The Hall has been far more than bricks and mortar. Named in honour of John E Higgs, whose inspired leadership helped establish the School in 1993, the Hall stands on a site whose story stretches back well before Girton itself. Once part of Horwood’s Foundry and the Bendigo Iron Works, the distinctive building, with its arched doors and windows later became Girton College’s assembly hall, made possible through the generosity of Charlotte Frew. Over the decades it has served many purposes, from assemblies and concerts to House dinners, productions, exhibitions and farewells, the Hall has quietly witnessed generations of Girtonians finding their voice, their courage and their sense of belonging.
While it is deeply emotional to say goodbye to a space that holds so many memories, Girton remains committed to honouring the past while building for the future. Just as John Higgs once looked at Girton and saw what it could become, the School now looks forward with the same spirit of optimism and responsibility.
The John E Higgs Hall as it stands today. The MacKenzie Street wall and the gabled wall facing Girton House will be retained as part of the redevelopment.
The John E Higgs Hall as it stands today. The MacKenzie Street wall and the gabled wall facing Girton House will be retained as part of the redevelopment.
Announcing Girton’s Inaugural Giving Day
At Speech Night in 2025, the School proudly announced Girton Grammar’s inaugural Giving Day, to be held on Thursday 28 May 2026.
This special community fundraiser will be dedicated entirely to raising the funds needed to redevelop the John E Higgs Hall; ensuring that its legacy does not end here, but begins again in a form that is safe, contemporary and purpose built for future generations to use, from Prep to Year 12. Alumni, families and friends will be invited to come together to support the transformation of this treasured place, so that the stories, performances, celebrations and milestones that have defined the Hall for decades can continue for many years to come.
Further details about Giving Day will be shared with our alumni community in the months ahead.
