Bank of Australasia (Former)
189 Nelson Place WILLIAMSTOWN, Hobsons Bay City
Nelson Place Heritage Precinct
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Statement of Significance
The former Bank of Australasia, designed by Reed & Barnes and constructed by Pearce & Murray in 1876-77, at 189 Nelson Place, Williamstown.
How is it Significant?The former Bank of Australasia at 189 Nelson Place, Williamstown is of local historic and aesthetic significance to the City of Hobsons Bay.
Why is it Significant?Historically, it was the second major purpose-built bank in Williamstown (after the ES&A Bank, 1873); the eighth such building commissioned by the bank in the colony since incorporation in 1835; and their first suburban branch bank building. It demonstrates the importance of Nelson Place as the main commercial centre in Williamstown during the later part of the nineteenth century. It is also important as the first commission within Melbourne for the Bank of Australasia by the renowned architectural firm of Reed & Barnes. (AHC criteria A4 and H1)
Aesthetically, it is architecturally significant as an important example of the work of the renowned architectural firm of Reed and Barnes. The building is an original and elegant composition in the Italian Renaissance Revival style with rich decoration and detail and makes an important contribution on a prominent corner site to the historic Nelson Place streetscape. (AHC criteria E1 and F1)
Note: Included on the Victorian Heritage Register as VHR 1769.
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Bank of Australasia (Former) - Physical Description 1
This Italian Renaissance revival bank is of two storeys, faced in stucco and parapeted in form. It was described in rate books as of stone (footings) and brick and containing 8 rooms (3). A smooth rusticated base gives due emphasis to the more richly ornamented upper storey with its balustraded and piered parapet. This ornament includes the aedicule window treatment (with the implied vermiculated stucco fanlight shutters); the wrought iron balustrade panels, forming a saltire cross to span the balconettes at the base of each aedicule; the unusual string mould segment used at each corner; and the deeply bracketed cornice moulding above. Arched fenestration at the corner level is linked by an impost mould and adjoins an impressive six-panel door-pair facing Nelson Place. A fine pair of wrought iron gates is placed across this door.
Shutters are gone from the upper windows; otherwise near original except for colour. There are unrelated commercial additions at the rear, visible from the side street.
Bank of Australasia (Former) - Integrity
External Integrity
Integrity - High. Condition - Good.
Bank of Australasia (Former) - Physical Description 2
Context
A major corner element in the historic Nelson Place precinct that complements 185-87 Nelson Place, echoes No.195 opposite and is countered on the west by the wedge formed by the post office.
Bank of Australasia (Former) - Historical Australian Themes
Financing Australia
Bank of Australasia (Former) - Physical Description 3
Associations
Bank of Australasia, Reed & Barnes
Heritage Study and Grading
Hobsons Bay - Hobsons Bay Heritage Study
Author: Hobsons Bay City Council
Year: 2006
Grading:
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FORMER MORGUEVictorian Heritage Register H1512
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WILLIAMSTOWN PRIMARY SCHOOLVictorian Heritage Register H1639
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RESIDENCEVictorian Heritage Register H0487
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