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The Municipal Chambers has travelled a long road of historical development, and is now a powerful piece of symbolic architecture right in the heart of the city.

The building is a crucial one in the Octagon for its strong architectural form and townscape qualities. These qualities were compromised over the years with removal of the top part of the central tower, the main entrance steps, and balustrades at roof level. These elements have all been restored convincingly and accurately, and have awakened the latent need in the community for symbolic public architecture.

The finished product

Externally, the Municipal Chambers has been restored to RA Lawson's design. It has changed from being an old and bland building stripped of its decoration and symbolic functions into the centrepiece of Dunedin's main central open space.

Restoration of the Chambers has re-established a powerful symbolic environment for the Dunedin City Council, enhanced by cultural references to the history of the City and the Province.

The construction has recognised a new culture of respect for historic buildings in Dunedin. It also awakened the Council itself to the unique architectural heritage of Dunedin, through which the City's buildings are now viewed as a central element in the City's marketing strategy for economic growth.