Bank of New South Wales (NSW) (fmr), Northam

Author

Shire of Northam

Place Number

01872

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Location

161 Fitzgerald St Northam

Location Details

Other Name(s)

Challenge Bank
Western Australian Bank (fmr)
Westpac Bank

Local Government

Northam

Region

Avon Arc

Construction Date

Constructed from 1927, Constructed from 1915

Demolition Year

N/A

Statutory Heritage Listings

Type	Status	Date	Documents	More information
Heritage List	Adopted	19 Feb 2020
State Register	Registered	31 Jul 2007	Register Entry Assessment Documentation	Heritage Council

Heritage Council Decisions and Deliberations

Type	Status	Date	Documents
(no listings)

Other Heritage Listings and Surveys

Type	Status	Date	Grading/Management		More information
Type	Status	Date	Category	Description	More information
Statewide Bank Survey	Completed	01 Nov 1997			Heritage Council
Classified by the National Trust	Recorded	05 May 1980			Heritage Council
Municipal Inventory	Adopted	25 Feb 1998	1.Exceptional significance	1.Exceptional significance Essential to the heritage of the locality. Rare or outstanding example. The place should be retained and conserved unless there is no feasible and prudent alternative to doing otherwise. Any alterations or extensions should reinforce the significance of the place, and be in accordance with a Conservation Plan (if one exists for the place).

Statement of Significance

Westpac Bank has aesthetic and architectural significance, representing the Inter-War Free Classical style, and contributes to the streetscape of the main commercial street of Northam. It has social significance, having provided banking services to the local community since 1891 when Mr James Mitchell (later Sir) was the first manager of the Western Australian Bank branch in Northam.

Physical Description

Westpac bank is a double storey masonry construction. It has an imposing front elevation with the tall classical pillars creating the image of solidarity usually associated with larger financial institutions. The parapet wall is adorned with stucco and the upstairs balcony has a solid balustrade.

History

The arrival of banks around the turn of the century was significant in transferring Northam from a barter to a cash economy and to provide finance for both rural and activities. The Bank of New South Wales opened a branch in Northam in 1909 in rented premises. In 1915 the Bank of New South Wales moved into these newly constructed two-storey premises with manager's quarters attached, constructed at a cost of £2,713.1.3
In 1927 the building was altered and renovated to accommodate the increased business following the amalgamation of the Bank of New South Wales with the Western Australian Bank.

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity: Moderate to High degree
Authenticity: Moderate to High degree

Condition

Good

References

Ref ID No	Ref Name	Ref Source	Ref Date
	1998 Municipal Inventory	Shire of Northam	1998

Place Type

Individual Building or Group

Uses

Epoch	General	Specific
Original Use	COMMERCIAL	Bank
Present Use	COMMERCIAL	Bank

Architectural Styles

Style
Federation Free Classical

Construction Materials

Type	General	Specific
Wall	BRICK	Common Brick
Roof	METAL	Corrugated Iron

Historic Themes

General	Specific
OCCUPATIONS	Commercial & service industries

Creation Date

30 May 1989

Publish place record online (inHerit):

Approved

Last Update

21 Feb 2020

Disclaimer

This information is provided voluntarily as a public service. The information provided is made available in good faith and is derived from sources believed to be reliable and accurate. However, the information is provided solely on the basis that readers will be responsible for making their own assessment of the matters discussed herein and are advised to verify all relevant representations, statements and information.