FORMER BANK OF VICTORIA
29 CAMP STREET BEECHWORTH, INDIGO SHIRE

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Statement of Significance
What is significant?
The Former Bank of Victoria, also known as the Former CBC Bank, including all of the main building, the former servants' quarters at the rear and the rear wall.
History Summary
During the decades following the discovery of gold in Beechworth in 1852 the town became the financial and administrative centre of north-east Victoria. A number of banks were established in the town in the 1850s. In 1856 the Bank of Victoria, which had been founded in Melbourne in 1852, purchased the site on the corner of Ford and Camp Streets. In the following year a new bank building was constructed, designed by the Melbourne architects Robertson & Hale. This building was destroyed by fire in 1867 and in the same year was replaced by a grand new building designed by the prominent Melbourne architectural firm Smith & Watts. This practice was led by A L Smith, who arrived in Victoria from England in 1852 and designed buildings throughout Victoria for the Bank of Victoria. These commissions continued after he formed a partnership with Thomas Watts in 1867. The Bank of Victoria amalgamated with the Commercial Banking Company of Sydney (CBC) in 1927 and the building continued to be used as a bank until the branch closed, and the building was sold, in 1943. It is now used as a jewellery shop.
Description Summary
The Former Bank of Victoria is a two-storey stuccoed brick building in a Renaissance Revival style. It adopts an Italian Palazzo form with different finishes on the exterior of the ground and first floors. On the ground floor heavy banded rustication provides emphasis and forms voussoirs above arch headed windows, while the first floor is smooth rendered and window openings are rectangular with simple architraves and hoods. The words 'Bank of Victoria' appear below the upper cornices on the Ford and Camp Street elevations. Above the main entrance on Ford Street is a small balcony with a cast iron railing, and with a decorative pedimented opening into the manager's residence on the first floor. The ground floor once accommodated the banking chamber, gold vault and manager's office. The ground floor has now been converted to a shop, which has required the removal of several internal walls, but the original gold vault remains. The manager's residence on the first floor retains much of its original form, and the servants' bells serving the residence remain on the ground floor. Behind a courtyard at the rear is a single-storey brick building, originally used as servants' quarters. A rendered wall encloses the rear of the site, with the early timber gates now replaced with iron gates. The servants' quarters have been extended, and an extension to the shop covers part of the rear courtyard.
How is it significant?
The Former Bank of Victoria, Beechworth is of architectural and historical significance to the State of Victoria. It satisfies the following criterion for inclusion in the Victorian Heritage Register:
Criterion A Importance to the course, or pattern, of Victoria's cultural history
Criterion D Importance in demonstrating the principal characteristics of a class of cultural places and objects
Why is it significant?
The Former Bank of Victoria, Beechworth is significant at the State level for the following reasons:
The Former Bank of Victoria is historically significant as a reflection of the increasing prosperity of Victoria, and of the towns established in the goldfields, during the 1850s and 1860s. It demonstrates the development which occurred in Victoria and in the goldmining towns as a result of the gold rushes, and the optimism and prosperity of such regional towns during the second half of the nineteenth century. The former servants' quarters at the rear and the manager's residence on the first floor reflect the common nineteenth century practice of employees living at their place of work. The servants' bells are a now-unusual feature in a commercial building, and reflect the partly residential nature of the building in the nineteenth century. [Criterion A]
The Former Bank of Victoria is architecturally significant as an outstanding example of the Renaissance Revival style, and is considered to be one of the finest banks in this style in Victoria. It is an important example of the work of the architectural firm Smith & Watts, whose designs epitomise the best qualities of this style. [Criterion D]
The Former Bank of Victoria, Beechworth is also significant for the following reasons, but not at the State level:
The Former Bank of Victoria reflects the wealth of Beechworth as a result of the gold rushes, and the importance of the town as the commercial centre of north-east Victoria in the mid- to late-nineteenth century. It is one of Beechworth's most prominent buildings and is an important feature of the Ford Street streetscape.
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FORMER BANK OF VICTORIA - History
Contextual history
Beechworth owes its existence to the discovery of gold in 1852. The Beechworth area was first settled by squatters from 1837, but the discovery of gold resulted in a rush of miners to the area. The Ovens was an important river system in north-east Victoria and gave its name to the goldfields in this area. The town developed around the Gold Commissioner's Camp, established in 1852 on the granite hill on the north bank of Spring Creek. The township was first known as Mayday Hills, but when surveyed in 1853, it was named Beechworth. The main overland route between Melbourne and Sydney passed through the town until the 1870s (when the railway was built further to the west), and until then Beechworth was one of the richest towns in Victoria and the financial and administrative centre of the north-east .
Until the mid-1850s most buildings in the town were constructed of wood, bark or canvas, but following the election of a town council in 1856 building regulations were introduced. Many of the town's major buildings were erected during the following five years, including the Ovens District Hospital (1856, VHR H358) and the Burke Museum (VHR H345, begun in 1857 by the Young Men's Association as a hall and library). The first town hall was built in 1859. By the early 1860s a group of important administrative buildings, known as the Beechworth Justice Precinct (VHR H1464), had been completed along the south side of Ford Street, and a large gaol (VHR H1549) was begun to the north of this in 1858. The Beechworth Lunatic Asylum, later the Mayday Hills Hospital (VHR H1864-67), was built in 1864-67, and the landmark post office (VHR H867) was completed in 1870.
The Ovens gold rushes peaked in 1857, and during the following two decades the population of Beechworth decreased (though the last mining company in the district only closed in 1956). Despite the decline in the gold industry, the town was sustained well into the twentieth century by the presence of the government institutions founded in the 1850s and 1860s: the asylum and the gaol.
Tourism has now become a major industry in Beechworth. Tourism began in the 1880s with the town's reputation as a health resort and picturesque beauty spot. The declining prosperity of the town had the advantage that the post-World War II development that led to the destruction of so much of Victoria's nineteenth century fabric during the 1950s-70s was avoided. At this time there was an increasing awareness of the importance of Victoria's early history and heritage. In the 1960s the National Trust was active in classifying Beechworth's early buildings, and efforts began to restore buildings which had fallen into disrepair. The retention of much of the town's historic character has now made it a popular tourist destination.
Beechworth's banks
Banks were among the earliest and most prominent buildings established in country towns. Although early banks were often conducted in temporary premises, including tents, they were soon replaced by more permanent structures reflecting the towns' increasing prosperity. Banks in the gold mining towns were substantial buildings, often in a Renaissance Revival style, demonstrating the solidity and respectability of the banking company.
In the Ovens goldfields the banks were initially represented by agents, who competed with private buyers in the gold trade. The first bank to open a branch in the town was the Bank of New South Wales, which opened an agency in 1853 and converted it to a branch in 1855. The London Chartered Bank, the Bank of Australasia and the Oriental Bank all had branches in Beechworth by 1857, the Bank of Victoria opened a branch in 1858 and the Oriental Bank in 1862. The banks tended to be located in the centre of the town, around the intersection of Ford and Camp Streets. In deference to the town's main source of wealth in its early days, on Saturdays the early banks displayed in their windows the gold they had purchased during the week, which often drew a crowd of admiring spectators.
The establishment of bank branches in Beechworth regularised the banking system and stimulated the local economy. Beechworth acquired a more prosperous and sophisticated character with the establishment of the banks in the town. It developed as a market centre for everyday as well as luxury goods with several of the town's clothing and drapery stores stocking high fashion items for the diggers and their wives.
History of place
The Bank of Victoria had been established in Melbourne in 1852, with the opening of its first branch in Swanston Street in 1853. The land on the corner of Ford and Camp Streets in Beechworth, one of the most prominent sites in the new town, was purchased by the Bank of Victoria in 1856 for £1240. In September 1857 tenders were called for a stone bank building to cost c£2000. It was designed by the architects Robertson & Hale, who had designed several branches for the Bank of Victoria. This first bank building was destroyed by fire in 1867.
Tenders were called in February 1867 by the architects Smith & Watts for a new branch building which was to cost £3700. This architectural practice was established by the architect Alfred L Smith (c1831-1907), who arrived in Melbourne in 1852 and practised under his own name from 1853-64. During this time he designed all the branch buildings across the state for the Bank of Victoria. In 1867 he formed a partnership with Thomas Watts, and together they undertook the design of many banks and churches. The firm's bank designs are distinctive, diverse and inventive, and as a group they have been said to epitomise the very best qualities of conservative classicism. The practice was dissolved in 1870.
The commercial sophistication of Beechworth during the 1860s was epitomised by the new white stuccoed Bank of Victoria building. The ground floor contained the banking chambers, manager's office and a strongroom, with separate servants' quarters at the rear, and the manager's residence was above.
The Bank of Victoria amalgamated with the CBC bank in 1927, and the building continued to be used as a CBC branch until it closed and was sold in 1943.
KEY REFERENCES USED TO PREPARE ASSESSMENT
Peter Freeman Pty Ltd, 'Indigo Shire Heritage Study', v 1 pt 1, 2000.
Bruce Trethowan, 'A Study of Banks in Victoria 1851-1939', for Historic Buildings Preservation Council 1976.
Carole Woods, Beechworth A Titan's Field, North Melbourne 1985.
Philip Goad & Julie Willis (eds), The Encyclopedia of Australian Architecture, Port Melbourne 2012.
Ovens and Murray Advertiser
FORMER BANK OF VICTORIA - Plaque Citation
This outstanding Renaissance Revival style bank was built in 1867 for the Bank of Victoria, to designs by the Melbourne architects Smith & Watts, after an earlier building was destroyed by fire. It became a CBC branch in 1927 and closed in 1943.
FORMER BANK OF VICTORIA - Assessment Against Criteria
Criterion
The Former Bank of Victoria, Beechworth is of architectural and historical significance to the State of Victoria. It satisfies the following criterion for inclusion in the Victorian Heritage Register:
Criterion A Importance to the course, or pattern, of Victoria's cultural history
Criterion D Importance in demonstrating the principal characteristics of a class of cultural places and objects
Why is it significant?
The Former Bank of Victoria, Beechworth is significant at the State level for the following reasons:
The Former Bank of Victoria is historically significant as a reflection of the increasing prosperity of Victoria, and of the towns established in the goldfields, during the 1850s and 1860s. It demonstrates the development which occurred in Victoria and in the goldmining towns as a result of the gold rushes, and the optimism and prosperity of such regional towns during the second half of the nineteenth century. The former servants' quarters at the rear and the manager's residence on the first floor reflect the common nineteenth century practice of employees living at their place of work. The servants' bells are a now-unusual feature in a commercial building, and reflect the partly residential nature of the building in the nineteenth century. [
Criterion A]
The Former Bank of Victoria is architecturally significant as an outstanding example of the Renaissance Revival style, and is considered to be one of the finest banks in this style in Victoria. It is an important example of the work of the architectural firm Smith & Watts, whose designs epitomise the best qualities of this style. [
Criterion D]
FORMER BANK OF VICTORIA - Permit Exemptions
General Exemptions:General exemptions apply to all places and objects included in the Victorian Heritage Register (VHR). General exemptions have been designed to allow everyday activities, maintenance and changes to your property, which don’t harm its cultural heritage significance, to proceed without the need to obtain approvals under the Heritage Act 2017.Places of worship: In some circumstances, you can alter a place of worship to accommodate religious practices without a permit, but you must notify the Executive Director of Heritage Victoria before you start the works or activities at least 20 business days before the works or activities are to commence.Subdivision/consolidation: Permit exemptions exist for some subdivisions and consolidations. If the subdivision or consolidation is in accordance with a planning permit granted under Part 4 of the Planning and Environment Act 1987 and the application for the planning permit was referred to the Executive Director of Heritage Victoria as a determining referral authority, a permit is not required.Specific exemptions may also apply to your registered place or object. If applicable, these are listed below. Specific exemptions are tailored to the conservation and management needs of an individual registered place or object and set out works and activities that are exempt from the requirements of a permit. Specific exemptions prevail if they conflict with general exemptions. Find out more about heritage permit exemptions here.Specific Exemptions:PERMIT EXEMPTIONS
It should be noted that Permit Exemptions can be granted at the time of registration (under s.42(4) of the Heritage Act). Permit Exemptions can also be applied for and granted after registration (under s.66 of the Heritage Act)
General Condition: 1.
All exempted alterations are to be planned and carried out in a manner which prevents damage to the fabric of the registered place or object.General Condition: 2.
Should it become apparent during further inspection or the carrying out of works that original or previously hidden or inaccessible details of the place or object are revealed which relate to the significance of the place or object, then the exemption covering such works shall cease and Heritage Victoria shall be notified as soon as possible.General Condition: 3.
All works should be informed by Conservation Management Plans prepared for the place. The Executive Director is not bound by any Conservation Management Plan, and permits still must be obtained for works suggested in any Conservation Management Plan.General Conditions: 4.
Nothing in this determination prevents the Heritage Council from amending or rescinding all or any of the permit exemptions.General Condition: 5.
Nothing in this determination exempts owners or their agents from the responsibility to seek relevant planning or building permits from the relevant responsible authority, where applicable.Specific Permit Exemptions
Internal works and alterations to the following buildings and features are permit exempt:
. Southern extension to servants' quarters
. Modern shop building in rear courtyard
Exterior works:
. Removal of non-original items such as air conditioners, pipe work, ducting, wiring, antennae, aerials etc, and making good.
. Installation and repairing of damp proofing by either injection method or grout pocket method.
. Installation or removal of external fixtures and fittings such as hot water services and taps.
Interior works:
. Painting of previously painted walls and ceilings provided that preparation or painting does not remove evidence of any original paint or other decorative scheme.
. Installation, removal or replacement of non-original curtain tracks, rods and blinds.
. Installation, removal or replacement of hooks, nails and other devices for the hanging of mirrors, paintings and other wall mounted art.
. Demolition or removal of non-original stud/partition walls, suspended ceilings or non-original wall linings (including plasterboard, laminate and Masonite), bathroom partitions and tiling, sanitary fixtures and fittings, kitchen wall tiling and equipment, lights, built-in cupboards, cubicle partitions, computer and office fitout and the like.
. Removal or replacement of non-original door and window furniture including, hinges, locks, knobsets and sash lifts.
. Installation of stud walls which are removable.
. Refurbishment of existing bathrooms, toilets and kitchens including removal, installation or replacement of sanitary fixtures and associated piping, mirrors, wall and floor coverings.
. Removal of tiling or concrete slabs in wet areas provided there is no damage to or alteration of original structure or fabric.
. Installation, removal or replacement of ducted, hydronic or concealed radiant type heating provided that the installation does not damage existing skirtings and architraves and that the central plant is concealed.
. Installation, removal or replacement of electrical wiring providing that all new wiring is fully concealed and does not involve the alteration or removal of any original fabric.
. Installation, removal or replacement of electric clocks, public address systems, detectors, alarms, emergency lights, exit signs, luminaires and the like on plaster surfaces.
. Installation, removal or replacement of bulk insulation in the roof space.
. Installation of plant within the roof space.
Installation of new fire hydrant services including sprinklers, fire doors and elements affixed to plaster surfaces.FORMER BANK OF VICTORIA - Permit Exemption Policy
Preamble
The purpose of the Permit Policy is to assist when considering or making decisions regarding works to a registered place. It is recommended that any proposed works be discussed with an officer of Heritage Victoria prior to making a permit application. Discussing proposed works will assist in answering questions the owner may have and aid any decisions regarding works to the place.
The extent of registration of The Former Bank of Victoria, Beechworth on the Victorian Heritage Register affects the whole place shown on Diagram 348 including the land, all buildings, roads, trees, landscape elements and other features. Under the Heritage Act 1995 a person must not remove or demolish, damage or despoil, develop or alter or excavate, relocate or disturb the position of any part of a registered place or object without approval. It is acknowledged, however, that alterations and other works may be required to keep places and objects in good repair and adapt them for use into the future.
If a person wishes to undertake works or activities in relation to a registered place or registered object, they must apply to the Executive Director, Heritage Victoria for a permit. The purpose of a permit is to enable appropriate change to a place and to effectively manage adverse impacts on the cultural heritage significance of a place as a consequence of change. If an owner is uncertain whether a heritage permit is required, it is recommended that Heritage Victoria be contacted.
Permits are required for anything which alters the place or object, unless a permit exemption is granted. Permit exemptions usually cover routine maintenance and upkeep issues faced by owners as well as minor works. They may include appropriate works that are specified in a conservation management plan. Permit exemptions can be granted at the time of registration (under s.42 of the Heritage Act) or after registration (under s.66 of the Heritage Act).
It should be noted that the addition of new buildings to the registered place, as well as alterations to the interior and exterior of existing buildings requires a permit, unless a specific permit exemption is granted.
Cultural heritage management plans
It is recommended that a Conservation Management Plan is developed to manage the place in a manner which respects its cultural heritage significance.
Cultural heritage significance
Overview of significance
The cultural heritage significance of the Former Bank of Victoria, Beechworth lies in its importance as an outstanding example of a Renaissance Revival style building and as a prominent feature in the Beechworth streetscape. The former servants' quarters at the rear and the manager's residence on the first floor (and the associated servants' bells on the ground floor) are important features, reflecting the nineteenth century practice of employees living at their workplace.
a) All of the buildings and features listed here are of primary cultural heritage significance in the context of the place. These are shown in red on the diagram. A permit is required for most works or alterations. See Permit Exemptions section for specific permit exempt activities:
. 1860s bank building, including all original fabric. Notable internal features are the gold safe on the ground floor, the manager's residence on the first floor and the associated servants' bells on the ground floor.
. Former servants' quarters.
. The rear boundary wall.
b) The following buildings and features are of no cultural heritage significance. These are shown in yellow on the diagram. Specific permit exemptions are provided for these items:
. Southern extension to the servants' quarters
. Modern single storey shop extension on the south side of the rear courtyard
Archaeological: Ground disturbance may affect the archaeological significance of the place and, subject to the exemptions stated in this document, requires a permit.
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