Commonwealth Bank Building

Statement of Significance

The place defines the southern end of Forest Place and, with its strongly modelled facade and well defined corners, gives a sculptural quality to Forrest Place and contributes a vital streetscape element to the Forrest Place Precinct. It is a significant example of the Inter-War Beaux-Arts style of architecture, of which there are few examples in Perth. The use of steel frame construction, allowing monumental construction characterised by large open spaces inside the building. The place is closely associated with the Commonwealth Government's programmes of employment, during the Depression of the 1930's, through public building and infrastructure programmes. The place is closely associated with the provision of Commonwealth Government and banking serves in Western Australia. Also representative of the changes in styles of banking practice and technology in the late twentieth century.

Refer to documentation of places for entry into the Heritage Council State Register of Heritage Places.

Physical Description

Large formal commercial building. Granite cladding at ground floor level. Arched openings to street, classical detail to facade at upper levels, recessed windows behind circular columns. good example of Beaux Arts style.

History

The building provides banking chambers and associated offices for the Commonwealth of Australia.

The Commonwealth acquired land for the accommodation of government offices- G.P.O; Commonwealth Bank and Customs Department in 1911. In 1916 plans were made to create a street between Murray and Wellington Streets for a civic precinct facing the gateway to the city - the railway station. New buildings would face this street and be of similar design. The G.P.O was begun in 1941; Forrest Place was created in 1924, the Commonwealth Bank was built in 1930-33 and the Customs Department was never built. The Commonwealth Bank was restored in 1987.

Refer to documentation of places for entry into the Heritage Council State Register of Heritage Places.

Integrity/Authenticity

Medium level of integrity.

Medium level of authenticity as it is largely as originally constructed with detail intact and it has had some unsympathetic internal changes recent restoration work has been undertaken to reverse this.

Condition

Good

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

Publish place record online (inHerit):

Last Update

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