1870, design attributed to Mr. Pett, a contractor, also to James Martin, a prominent local citizen who donated the land.

The building contractors Tardiff and Deland Co. tendered for 3,434 pounds, but the cost of construction would have been nearer 5,000 pounds. The building was constructed in bluestone rubble with the façade finished in stucco. The portico and window finishes give it an Italianate style. The Institute accommodated a reading room and library on the ground floor, entertainment hall and museum on the first floor, and a smoking room in the basement.

Reference: Historic Public Buildings of Australia, Australian Council of National Trusts, Cassell Australia Limited, 1971, pp. 147 – 151.

Whitelock, Derrick, Gawler, Colonel Light’s Country Town, Corporation of the City of Gawler, Town Hall, Murray Street, Gawler, South Australia, 5118, p.98.