Western Australian Bank (fmr)

Parent Place or Precinct

14922 Stirling Terrace Precinct, Albany

Uses

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Parent Place or Precinct

14922 Stirling Terrace Precinct, Albany

Statement of Significance

Stirling Terrace Precinct: Stirling Terrace Precinct, a predominantly late Victorian and Federation period townscape set along a segmented crescent plan overlooking Princess Royal Harbour, Albany and containing a diverse range of building types and styles, has cultural heritage significance for the following reasons: the historic precinct is a fine and relatively intact example of a late nineteenth century and early twentieth century townscape, dating primarily from 1867 to 1915, demonstrating a range of activities and support infrastructure associated with the foundation and development of a prominent nineteenth century town; the historic precinct is rare as a prominently located townscape with a town plan dating from the foundation of the settlement with a set of finely designed Victorian and Federation period buildings; as the original commercial heart of the town, the historic precinct was an important part of the development of the region and the State to varying degrees from the 1830s until World War One when Albany was a prominent town in the Colony and Australia, due to its role as the Colony’s coal depot for the international mail and passenger service, which linked Europe to the eastern colonies. This role was expanded with the addition of regional railways and interstate telegraph links; viewed from the harbour and from the western approaches to the town, the historic precinct as a whole is a landmark, strengthened by the strong vertical accents of the Royal George Hotel and the former Post Office; the historic precinct is highly valued by the local community for its aesthetic values and historic associations and, along with the defining topography of the Princess Royal Harbour, Mount Melville and Mount Clarence, is as one of the elements that contributes to the local community’s sense of place and to the identity of Albany; within the precinct, G.T. Poole’s designs for the Post Office and Court House demonstrate creative excellence and J.T. Hobbs’ design for the Sandover & Co store, which later became Drew Robinson & Co.’s store, at 108-110 Stirling Terrace makes innovative use of large plate glass windows; and the historic precinct includes buildings designed by prominent architects James Manning, Lt. General Sir J. T. Hobbs, J. Herbert Eales, and George T. Poole, and was historically the location of businesses founded and run by significant Albany and regional identities including Thomas Sherratt, Alexander Moir, John Robinson, Charles Drew, Frank Dymes, Edward Barnett, J.F.T. Hassell, and E.G. Everett.

Physical Description

Some of the notable features of this place include: • Set amongst a group of significant buildings in Stirling Terrace • Has a number of features characteristic of Federation Academic Classical architecture • Smooth rendered symmetrical façade (second storey) • Lower storey finish is smooth rendered ashlar • Paired groups of arched windows with classical pillars and prominent architraves • String course and entablature • Horizontal emphasis with bracketed course at roofline level • The entry doors either side of a pair of large arched windows are surmounted by prominent gabled pediments • A number of classical motifs have been employed to embellish the façade • The building has never had a verandah Some obvious modifications include: • Removal of original parapet featuring balustrading, tympanum and urns • Reinstatement of historic bank name in entablature (2014) • External colour scheme Refer also to: Considine & Griffiths Architects in association with Kris Bizzaca, Stirling Terrace, Albany, Conservation Plan, October 2000.

History

The Western Australian Bank This building and the adjoining commercial premises (112-140), constructed in the Federation Academic Classical style, is one of a group of significant places on Stirling Terrace. It was originally constructed for Drew Robinson & Co. as a premises for the Commercial Bank of Australia in 1891. The building was designed by John Talbot Hobbs and constructed by builders John Hurst & Son. The contract included the demolition of the existing single storey building. By 1897 the Western Australian bank had taken over the premises from the Commercial Bank. The ground floor of the building had a rusticated base with two entrance doors with classically derived casements made up of plain pilasters, cornices, scrolled brackets and tympanum. A pair of arched windows was set between the doors. A deep cornice was set above the entablature and this was supported on brackets. There was an open balustrade at parapet level, with piers at each end and a raised panel buttressed by scrolls and tympanum above. There were urns on top of each of the piers. Later, the decorative parapet on both buildings was removed, including the urns and tympanum. The whole building was repainted. When the building ceased as a bank premise it was used mainly as offices. In 2000 it was occupied by the Great Southern Development Commission until it moved to Pyrmont House in 2001. In 2017 it provides commercial and office accommodation. Stirling Terrace Precinct Stirling Terrace is one of the City of Albany’s most significant heritage assets, both as a streetscape and as a collection of Victorian and Federation period buildings overlooking Princess Royal Harbour. Stirling Terrace is located in visually striking topography and its segmented crescent plan form remains basically as it was when first recorded by Surveyor Hillman in 1835. The mature trees and the harmonious architectural composition of diverse building types and styles provide additional visual interest. Stirling Terrace was developed from the 1830s following the establishment of Albany as part of the Swan River colony, and was an important part of the development of the region and the State to varying degrees from the 1830s until World War One. The 1835 Hillman survey plan set the scene for the emergence of Stirling Terrace as the prime location in the town, with a rich variety of social, commercial, leisure, institutional and service functions. The majority of the built fabric which remains today was completed in the period 1867 to 1915. The buildings were designed by some of the State’s most eminent architects and many were built for prominent citizens and institutions. Over the years the commercial focus of Albany has moved to York Street, with many institutions, such as banks and the post office relocating there. Free of substantial development pressure at a critical time, Stirling Terrace has managed to retain many of its historic structures and features. Viewed from the harbour, and from the western approach to the town, Stirling Terrace has a landmark quality as a whole. Refer also to: Considine & Griffiths Architects in association with Kris Bizzaca, Stirling Terrace, Albany, Conservation Plan, October 2000.

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity: High/Moderate Authenticity: High/Moderate

Condition

Good

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Western Australian Bank (fmr)

Parent Place or Precinct

00172 Burt Street Precinct

Uses

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Statement of Significance

The place makes a valued contribution to the visual character of this important streetscape in its verandah cover over the pavement and its decorative parapet. The building contributes to the masonry 'wall' of Burt Street. The site is representative of retailing at the turn-of-the-century and is significant for its form and continuity of use.

Physical Description

A single-storey shop built to the pavement line with a pedimented parapet. Typical features that characterise the building's period are the recessed entrances with large display windows on the facade with stall boards below and highlight windows above, and a verandah that extends across the facade and over the pavement.

History

The building was originally used as the Western Australian Bank in 1897. It was amalgamated with the Bank of NSW in 1927 (Boulder's Hidden Secrets, 1993). The Insurance Plans for Boulder c. 1900 illustrate that Lot 55 had 2 parts. One part had an iron building, the WA Bank. The other part had two brick buildings, Rodda Milliner and Mercer and “Rodda” and a verandah that extended across the building facades and over the pavement. General Comments: During the 1890s and particularly in the early 1900s, Boulder's population swelled by a steady influx of men seeking employment in the goldfields and somewhere to settle. This increase in population had a great influence on the town's growth. It necessitated the survey of more town and suburban lots, increased subsidies for road construction and numerous buildings were constructed.

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity: Moderate Authenticity: Moderate to

Condition

Fair

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West Australian Bank (fmr)

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Statement of Significance

The former Western Australian Bank building shares the intersection with the former Post Office on what was an important civic and commercial area in Cuballing. The two buildings form a group that are a representative reminders of commerce in Cuballing.

Physical Description

The building is built to the building line on the south-western corner of Campbeil and Alton Streets, with a truncated corner that once formed the public entry. The building shares the intersection with the former Post Office. This intersection with the two buildings are remnants that mark an old commercial precinct of Cuballing. The roof features a tall corbelled brick chimney with terra-cotta potted tops, timber battened eaves, and a triangular pediment that crowns the building's truncation, giving emphasis to the building's entrance. The pediment has a halt timber effect, barge board and afiniai. The building bears the name, 'Western Australian Bank'. The building is symmetrical about the entrance with a wide window with flattened arched fanlight, either side of the entrance. The windows have rendered decorative surrounds and sills. A residence was built along the Alton Street elevation that is set back from the street alignment. The verandah extends across the residence and abuts the bank building. The residence and bank have back to back chimneys. The interior of the bank is comprised of a single room, no physical evidence remains of its original purpose. The exterior of the residence features double-hung sash windows with side lights, and a grand entry door with side lights and leaded and stained glass fanlights. The interior of the residence retains simple arches supported on pilasters, pressed metal ceilings, decorative ceiling roses, cornices and skirtings. C. 1950s, while the bank building was then operating for use as a delicatessen, a wide opening was made in the south wall of the bank building allowing public access to the dali from the verandah of the residence. The opening has been brick-up but is evident. A timber framed and lined enclosure with a lean-to roof now obscures the verandah. The residence has been further extended down the south elevation that once formed a laneway to the rear, and at the rear. The additions have lean-to roofs. The exterior of the entire building has been rendered. The original entrance door way has been replaced by a window and now accommodates a bedroom.

History

The building was believed to have been constructed at the tum-of-the-century by James Fitt using local bricks and was constructed for use as a bank.

Integrity/Authenticity

INTEGRITY: Moderate Degree AUTHENTICITY Low to Moderate Degree

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Fmr Bank of New South Wales (NSW)

Parent Place or Precinct

17713 Town of Cue

Condition

MI notes condition as fair.

Uses

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Statement of Significance

The building is constructed of local porphyry stone which having weathered to the light golden colour similiar to the other stone buildings in the town, imparts the distinctive character of Cue. The arched windows and central gable give the building a pleasing architectural flavour. Having been constructed in 1900 the building has been associated with the history of the town in its heyday.

Physical Description

The building stands on the corner of Austin and Darlot streets. It iso f local porphyry stone in square sawn blocks. The windows and doors are round arched and the street facade features a slightly projecting gables centre piece. The roof is of corrugated galvanised iron.

History

Assessment 1982 Construction: 1900

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Statement of Significance

Fmr. Bank of New South Wales, a single-storey Victorian Georgian style stone building with a corrugated iron roof, has cultural heritage significance for the following reasons: as the first bank in the region, it contributes to the sense of place of the community of Cue and its surrounding districts because of the continuity of its function throughout most of this century; it is a mark of the expansion and prosperity of Cue at the turn of the century. It is representative of the boom time in a gold mining town where the solid and expensive materials belie the often impermanent nature of the industry; it is important for its contribution to the streetscape of the main street of Cue. The local stone used in the walls is consistent with many other buildings in Cue and together they create a consistent texture and pattern in the precinct; and, it is associated with architect John Talbot Hobbs.

Physical Description

Located on the corner of Austin and Darlot Streets, this single storey building is of local porphyry stone construction and features square sawn blocks. The Bank building has an adjoining residence opening off Darlot Street. The windows and doors are recessed and arched and the street facade features a slightly projecting gabled centre piece and expresses the public face of the banking chamber and office fronting Austin Street. The combination hipped and gabled roof is corrugated iron with boxed eaves. The building features two chimneys, a double entry door with decorative insets, double hung timber framed windows and a rendered string course and sills. Rising damp problems have previously been treated been resolved and the stonework conserved in recent years between 1999 and 2001.

History

The block of land on the corner of Darlot and Austin Streets was purchased c1897 for 20 pounds. While the Union was the first bank to commence operations in Cue, the West Australian Bank followed shortly afterwards, operating out of a tent until suitable offices were erected. [G. Hope, p43] Designed by Mr J Talbot Hobbs, a Perth Architect who designed a number of branches for the Bank, the Bank building opened for business in June, 1900. [Murchison Times and Day Dawn Gazette, 22/4/1899, p2, 7/6/1900, p2] A newspaper article stated: "The premises about to be erected for the WA Bank, Cue, will be a handsome addition to the business part of town. The building, which will be of stone procured from quarries near Cue, will present a handsome stone front of 87 feet to Austin Street, and will have a frontage of 75 feet to Darlot Street. The walls will be 14 inches thick, resting on a foundation of cement 3 feet wide. The ground floor will be occupied by eight rooms, comprising banking chamber, gold office, strongroom, manager's office, two bedrooms, sitting-room, kitchen and bathrooms, with spacious entrances from Austin and Darlot Streets. All the fittings will be constructed of Sydney cedar capped and moulded. The ceiling will be of one inch 28 gauge fluted corrugated iron with a lining between ceiling and roof of two ply Willesden paper. The strongroom will be built of specially selected stone with 24 pounds to the yard railway iron 6 inches apart, rivetted top and bottom, to 2 _ inches 3-8 bar iron. The roof is to be formed of 6 x 3 R.I. joists, spliced and fitted between with 20 gauge corrugated iron, curved and covered to a depth of 18 inches at any part with lime and concrete, the walls being carried up to the roof. The stone for the window sills and doorsteps will be brought from Melbourne..." [Murchison Times and Day Dawn Gazette, 22/4/1899, p2] In the late 1990s, the place was purchased by a consortium for conservation and leisure purposes and the exterior has undergone conservation, while the interior has been conserved and adapted.

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity: High Degree Modifications: Cement render in part to north wall.

Condition

Fair

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Western Australian Bank (fmr)

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WESTPAC BUILDING, 22 HIGH STREET

Parent Place or Precinct

25225 West End, Fremantle

Uses

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Statement of Significance

A grand Victorian Bank displaying all the optimism and affluence of the 1890s Gold Boom. It is in excellent condition and is one of the finest buildings in Fremantle and therefore has been classified for townscape., streetscape as well as architectural reasons.

Physical Description

This building, a former W A Bank, is a two storey stucco brick and bluestone structure and is decorated on the street level with shadow lines and on the upper floor with Corinthian capped pilasters and a richly decorated cornice and pediment.

History

Assessment 1974

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Statement of Significance

A grand Victorian bank displaying all the optimism indicated by the gold discoveries and the work on the harbour. A finely executed example of a building in the Federation Academic Classical style that remains substantially intact. Considered to be one of the finest buildings in Fremantle and significant for aesthetic, historic, social and streetscape reasons. Significant example of the work of prominent architect J.Talbot Hobbs.

Physical Description

Two storey rendered commercial building, (lower height at rear in Mouat Street) with ashlar effect on the ground floor and limestone foundations. The building has a zero setback from the pavements The decorative parapet has a pediment featuring decorative arch with 'AD 1891' in stucco. The pediment over the front entrance is flanked by pilasters with brackets above. There are engaged Corinthian columns on the first floor and engaged low piers below the windows, the first floor has stucco arched sash windows with keystones. The lower part, at rear, in Mouat Street, is a single storey face brick building with a hipped roof and a zero setback from the pavement. Three large archways (two are windows) form a major feature of the façade, with a circular window above a stucco ribbon detail.

History

High Street was named by Surveyor General Roe - as was customary in English towns, the main street of the town was named High Street. Eastward from William Street the roadway was completed by convict labour after the Town Hall was built in 1887. High Street around the Town Hall closed to traffic in 1966. The High Street Mall was trialled in November 1973 and made a permanent pedestrian mall in 1975. The two storey building at 22 High Street was designed by J. Talbot Hobbs as the Western Australian Bank. The building was completed in 1892. It has two storeys with a banking chamber, and offices. Classified by National Trust in 1974. This place received a Fremantle Award in 1980. Currently (2002), Notre Dame College of Health. The one storey section at the rear, on Mouat Street was previously (1920) occupied by Fothergill & Co, and several shipping agents. Currently (2002), Performing Arts Centre for Notre Dame University.

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Western Australian Bank Greenbushes (fmr)

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Statement of Significance

The Western Australian Bank (Fmr) is of particular significance for its design by Hobbs, Smith & Forbes; its aesthetic value as a well designed Federation Free Classical building; its historic and social values as the primary banking service in Greenbushes for much of the 20th century; its role as Community Resource Centre since 1995; and its high authenticity. The former bank building has aesthetic value as a well designed Federation Free Classical bank. Together with the Post Office and Store opposite, it is a landmark building along Blackwood Road, Greenbushes. The building has historic value for the role the bank played in the viability and success of the commerce and industry of the town and surrounding areas. The building also has historic value as a good example of the architectural work of Hobbs, Smith & Forbes. The scale and architectural style of the building illustrates both the success of the Western Australian Bank in the early 20th century and the promise and success of the Greenbushes Tinfields at that time. WA Bank (fmr), Greenbushes is of social value, not only as the only bank to have ever had a purpose-built branch in Greenbushes and as a Community Resource Centre, but also for the vital role that both institutions have played in strongly supporting both the local mining activities as well as the local residents. WA Bank (fmr), Greenbushes also has associations with the managers and staff who worked at the place, as well as their clients, during its use as a banking institution. Numerous newspaper reports detail the strong link that the various Bank Managers had with the community, and how well they were thanked by the community upon transferring to another branch. The place is relatively uncommon in the Shire of BridgetownGreenbushes as an example of a well detailed, and highly authentic Federation Free Classical building. The place is representative of the solid and prosperous image portrayed by bank premises in thriving rural and metropolitan communities in the period around the turn of the century. The bank is a representative example of the work of the architect, John Talbot Hobbs, who was a prolific and wellregarded Western Australian architect, both individually and in association with the firm of Hobbs, Smith & Forbes.

Physical Description

The Western Australian Bank (Fmr) is constructed of common brick (tuck pointed on façade) and a Zincalume hipped roof which replaced the original corrugated iron. The original chimneys remain intact and feature bands of render and tuckpointed brick. The former bank has a symmetrical façade, featuring a central entry (door modified), flanked by two slightly projecting rectangular window bays. The façade is dominated by projecting gables over each window bay, with moulded decorations to the pediments. Below the gables there is a deep cornice, with rendered eaves brackets and decorative mouldings. The three main openings have moulded segmental arches, with decorative key stones. Other rendered detailing includes moulded and plain string courses, window sills and plinth. Both front timber windows have leadlight highlights in three panels each. However the fanlight window above the main entrance is now clear glass, where it was presumably once also stained glass. Note Both the pediment motif and frieze are very similar to that shown on original design drawings for the ‘Balingup’ Bank (see above). A photo taken in the 1970’s, while the building was used for the R&I bank, also indicates that the original entrance vestibule was similar to the Balingup proposal, but in more recent years the internal glass door with wood frame has been removed, and the external door replaced. The original bank chamber occupied the front portion of the building, with the Managers Office in the front southern corner. The Counter appears to have run the length of the Chamber north to south, where it separated the two entrances to the Manager’s Office, with the public entrance in front of the counter (now an internal window) and the private entrance behind. Currently the Manager’s Office is used as a public Library, (subcentre of the Bridgetown Library), where the original safe still stands, and the Bank Chamber is used as a public computer room. From the back of the Bank Chamber runs a corridor the full length of the residence, to the rear external door. The westernmost rooms of the corridor are now used as a small private computer room to the north and a small meeting/ club room on the south. The southern side main entrance and corridor to what was the private Manager’s residence is now the main entry point for the Greenbushes Community Resource Centre, and retains the original doors and side panels with leadlight glass. As part of the additions and alterations made in 2014, an administration window was cut into the entry hallway wall (from what is now the administration office, previously the formal lounge/reception room of the residence) in order to receive clients/visitors. The formal lounge features a decorative dark stained timber fire surround and a full height double hung sash window with single panes, looking onto the rear verandah. This may have originally been an external door with fanlight window, as there is a wooden entry step at floor height onto the verandah, matching the same at the back verandah door. The remaining central rooms on the north side of the corridor include what would have been two bedrooms, now a private computer room and partitioned offices, an old kitchen, most likely not the original, which contains a Metters oven and is now used as a therapy/consult room, possibly an original bedroom. The current kitchen is situated in the room entered from the back verandah, which was most likely the original kitchen with open fireplace. The back verandah is semi enclosed by a new toilet block built in 2013/2014, which replaced the previous bathroom built under the back southern corner of the verandah. Adjoining the toilet block at the south east corner, a new meeting space and kitchen wraps around the southern verandah. These 2013/2014 additions included the removal of an early weatherboard addition on the south wall (in front of the entrance to the residence as seen by the remaining paint on the exterior wall). A new community shed at the rear was also added in 2014.

History

The Western Australian Bank established a branch in Greenbushes in 1899, 11 Years after David Stinton first began mining in the area. In August of that year it was reported that : The importance of the township was recognised last week when the Western Australian Bank opened a branch there. The bank observed considerable secrecy in regard to this matter, even the manager of the Bunbury branch who was sent to open the bank for business, not being aware of the intentions of his manager until he actually received instructions to proceed to Greenbushes, where a suitable building had been secured. Six years later plans had been prepared for substantial new premises on another site (at which time it was one of 40 Western Australian Bank branches in rural centres across WA): TENDERS are invited until noon of Thursday, 22nd inst., for the ERECTION of new Banking Premises for the Western Australian Bank at Greenbushes. Plans, specifications, etc., can be seen at W.A. Bank Greenbushes, or the Office of the Architects, St. George's-terrace. Perth. The lowest or any tender not necessarily accepted. HOBBS, SMITH, and FORBES. Architects and Surveyors. June 10, 1905. The new building was officially opened for business on 15 January 1906: The most handsome recent addition architecturally to Greenbushes is undoubtedly the new W.A. Bank premises. These were opened for banking business on Monday last. Compared to the old banking premises they are an indication of the way in which Greenbushes is progressing. The building is a handsome structure with a solid frontage to the main street. The banking chamber is 18ft. by 20ft., and the manager’s office 14ft. by 10ft. 6in. The private residence for the manager attached is equally commodious. Messrs. Hobbs, Smith and Forbes we[re] the architects, and Messrs Parsons and Son, the contractors. The fittings in the banking chamber are solid and complete, and should provide for a considerable expansion or business in keeping with the prospects of Greenbushes. Subsequent newspaper articles and family notices indicate that Thomas Harris Parsons (c.1848-1910), contractor of Guildford, was facing bankruptcy proceedings in 1908. By the time of his death he had taken up farming at ‘St Erney’, in the Warren district. The firm of Hobbs, Smith & Forbes, Architects, had been established in 1905 by Joseph John Talbot Hobbs (1864-1938). Hobbs was a prominent Western Australian architect who was responsible for the design of numerous public and private buildings throughout the state including other Western Australian Banks in Perth, Bunbury, Southern Cross, York, Beverley and Midland Junction. Hobbs was a founding member of the West Australian Institute of Architect in the 1890s; president of the WAIA in 1909-1911; played key roles in the military during WWI; and was awarded a knighthood in 1918. In the early 20th century, the Greenbushes branch of the West Australian Bank was an important contributor to the operations of the local mining industry, providing financial services, capital support and export arrangements. In fulfilling this role the branch also extended its services for the benefit of the mining community. For example, on 21 June 1905 it was reported that it was common for the local manager to open for business of an evening, in order for the local miners to fulfil the fortnightly consignment of minerals by night train, with cash in hand. In 1927 the Western Australian Bank merged with and became the Bank of New South Wales. In around 1972 the Greenbushes building was bought by Greenbushes Tin Ltd and made available to both the Commercial Bank and R&I Bank for use as a part time agency. Greenbushes Tin was later absorbed by gold miner Sons of Gwalia, which collapsed in 2004. In 2007 Talison Lithium Pty Ltd bought the Greenbushes mining operations and local assets from Sons of Gwalia, which included the Bank building. The building was leased to the Greenbushes Telecentre in 1995 and since been renamed the Greenbushes Community Resource Centre. Talison retains a very strong link with the organisation, as both the owner of the building and a strong user of the facilities and services made available by the CRC.

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity: Low to Medium The place has not been used as a bank branch with an attached residence, or as a bank agency, since the 1970s. However, its original use can still be readily understood through an interpretation of its design. Authenticity: High The building has had some minor modifications internally but the original layout has not been altered. The exterior of the building has had very little modification and strongly retains its original Federation Free Classical character.

Condition

Good

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Western Australian Bank (fmr), Kalgoorlie

Parent Place or Precinct

01281 Hannan Street Precinct

Condition

Good

Uses

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Statement of Significance

Ministry of Housing Regional Office positively contributes to the streetscape character of Hannan Street with its classical and Italianate detailing. The building forms part of the masonry 'wall' that extends almost the length of the street block. Ministry of Housing Regional Office has historic value for its association with the rapid population growth in the eastern goldfields at the turn-of-the-century. Ministry of Housing Regional Office has prominence in Hannan Street with its arcade comprising three arches and the facade treatment of painted and cement relief work.

Physical Description

A large, two-storey brick building with an arcade of three arches, vaulting off substantial rusticated brick piers, an upper storey detailed with classical motifs, and a replacement tile roof.

History

The Western Australian Bank was Hannan Street's first bank and opened in 1894. The building was built during the gold boom and has a lavish interior (Laurie, 1995: 46). Bricks for the building were supplied by Dyke and Ridgeway of Coolgardie and the granite and local white stone were from Bulla-Bulling (Laurie, 1995: 46).

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity: Moderate to High Authenticity: Moderate to High

Condition

Good

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Western Australian Bank (fmr)

Condition

The building was constructed for the Western Australian Bank in c.1906. It is a two storey red brick structure with a (later) tiled roof. The original two storey front verandah facing Viveash Road has been dismantled and replaced with a modern canopy although the remainder of the exterior of the building is in original condition. The doors and windows on the front ground floor (western) facade are arched with the lower part of the walls being faced with stucco to resemble masonry. The upper part of the front facade has quoins and tuck-pointed brickwork. The sides and rear facades are of unpainted face red brick. The rear (eastern) facade has an elaborate stained glass window which lights to top of the stairway linking the ground floor banking chamber to the upper floor bank manager's residence. The building has decorative chimneys. Direct access to the upper storey residence from Victoria Street is provided by a front door (with leadlights) which leads up a second carved jarrah staircase. The ground floor interior (banking chamber) has been modified, although some decorative plasterwork, a fireplace and other original details are intact. The upper storey (residence) has been only slightly modified and has decorative plaster work (archway, cornices, ceiling roses), highly moulded skirtings and architraves, fireplace surrounds and an internal leadlight fan-light remaining intact.

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Statement of Significance

A good representative example of the growth of commercial services in Midland in the early 20th century.

Physical Description

Two storey building, the doors and windows on the front ground floor are arched with the lower part of the walls being faces with stucco to resemble masonry, the upper part of the façade has quoins and tuckpointed brickwork and is surmounted by a pediment. The roof has decorated chimneys. When the building existed as a bank the lower storey was the banking chamber and hte upper storey was teh manager's residence.

History

The building is the only bank building remaining in Midland that can be associated with the town's growth at the turn of the 20th century. Its location midway between the railway station and the town centre is indiciative of the strong influence that the railway has on the economy of the town.

Integrity/Authenticity

Good

Condition

Good

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

Condition

Good

Uses

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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

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Western Australian Bank and Quarters (fmr)

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Statement of Significance

This building marks the advent of commerce in Pithara when it was an important community centre for surrounding areas. The building is a significant place in the town's streetscape.

Physical Description

A brick and iron building in the main street of Pithara.

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity: Intact or redeemable

Condition

Good

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