National Australia Bank
131 Gray St HAMILTON, Southern Grampians Shire
Gray St Commercial Precinct Hamilton
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Statement of Significance
SIGNIFICANCE:
In a commanding position at the centre of the commercial area in Hamilton, this bank, under different names, has supervised the business of the street. Its architecture speaks of dignity, reliability and conservatism.
STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE
National Australia Bank
131 Gray Street
In a commanding position at the centre of the commercial area in Hamilton, this bank, under different names, has supervised the business of the street for over a hundred and twenty years. The building has regional significance for its architectural interest as an intact 19th century bank in the Conservative Classical style designed by the architect, Alfred Louis Smith circa 1867 and has been compared to a similar bank in Beechworth. ([i]) Its architecture speaks of dignity, reliability and conservatism. It is also significant for its associations with the history of banking in the Western District region, particularly for the role played by Hamilton banks in financing the district's wool growers and graziers. Built for the Bank of Victoria, it was later owned by the Commercial Banking Co. of Sydney, Ltd ([ii]) and is now known as the National Australia Bank.
The building has undergone major alterations to the interior and extensions at the rear. The facade remains significantly intact. It is in excellent condition. It is the lynch pin of the commercial section Gray Street and critical for the streetscape.
[i] Trethowan, Bruce, `A Study of Banks in Victoria, 1851-1939' for the Historic Buildings Preservation Council, December 1976.
[ii] Ibid.
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National Australia Bank - Physical Description 1
MATERIALS:
Roof: slate
Walls: rendered brick
Dressings: cement render
Plinth: cement render & painted
bluestone
Windows: timber
Paving:
NOTABLE FEATURES:Restrained but assured use of classical detailing, use of cast iron in upper windows.National Australia Bank - Historical Australian Themes
ASSOCIATED HISTORIC THEMES
Evolution of the Town: 1860s.
Tertiary Industry: Banking
Squatting: Wool and grazingHeritage Study and Grading
Southern Grampians - City of Hamilton Conservation Study
Author: Timothy Hubbard with Carlotta Kellaway & Michael Looker (plus Francis Punch)
Year: 1991
Grading: B
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