Westpac Bank Building (fmr)

Statement of Significance

Westpac Bank (former) is a fine example of the Interwar Stripped Classical style which gives the bank an imposing presence in the townscape and possibly the only such example in the Town of Vincent. Historically, it is significant for associations with the Bank of New South Wales and the growth of the North Perth district and commercial centre.

Physical Description

The two storey purpose built bank building has distinct Classical features including a strong vertical emphasis and symmetry of detail. It has fine stucco detailing on the parapet. The windows and entrance are highlighted with stucco bands. The vertical proportions of openings and spandrels, with the absence of any porch or awning, emphasise the presence of the bank within the townscape. Zero setback in commercial street. Front doors are not original. The tiles at the base are a later addition, and the original window frames have been replaced. Conversion to a residence and commercial premises (late 1990's).

History

The Bank of New South Wales was established in New South Wales in 1817, and opened its first branch in Western Australia in Perth, in 1883. During the Eastern States Depression of the 1890s, the Bank looked to Western Australia as an area of growth, opening four branches in the Goldfields. On 29 March 1927, it merged with the Western Australian Bank, which gave it over 30% of bank business in the State. The bank premise at No. 452 Fitzgerald Street was built in 1938. The building was designed by prominent Perth architects Hobbs, Forbes and Partners and built by Sandwell and Wood for the sum of £5,111. This architectural firm had been responsible for the design of numerous bank premises throughout the State since the 1890s. The opening of the branch in Fitzgerald Street indicated the growing economic optimism of the late 1930s, following the end of the Great Depression. The closure of the branch in the 1990s was one of a number across the country. The closures can be attributed largely to changing technology and the modern propensity for corporate downsizing to maximise profits. More recently a branch of the Bendigo Bank was opened in Vincent House at No. 431 Fitzgerald Street. This bank. whose head office is in Bendigo, Victoria was first listed on the Australian Stock Exchange in 1985. Since its closure the former Westpac Bank has been converted to a residence and commercial premises. The building appears to be the only pre-1940 bank building remaining in the Town of Vincent.

Integrity/Authenticity

Moderate degreee

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

Publish place record online (inHerit):

Last Update

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