The former bank of Australasia (now known as ANZ) cnr of Gheringap Street & Malop Street early-mid last century. The building is STILL there, however it was clad in bricks in 1956. The reasons are not quite known, other than the original sandstone was decaying to a point where cladding it was a more cost effective alternative (this does make a degree of sense) however may have been to modernise the building. The current owner has apparently investigated restoring the original façade but the costs were exorbitant and outweighed any benefits. Further details from the national trust below - Statement of Significance The A.N.Z. Bank was erected in 1859/60 for the Bank of Australasia. Melbourne architects, Purchas and Swyer, designed this two storey bank with a conservative classical facade of Barrabool sandstone and full height banking chamber. The stone facade was refaced in brick in September 1956 and the interior altered. The spacious banking chamber with classically derived plasterwork ornamentation remains intact. The Banking Chamber is an interesting example of a mid nineteenth century bank interior, most notable for the proportions and classical ornamentation which have been preserved intact. The strongly modelled plasterwork and skylight panels in the ceiling are surviving elements of a once finely modelled conservative classical bank now almost totally defaced. The original character and qualities of the former Bank of Australasia heve been obliterated by construction of the brick facade in 1956. The Banking Chamber, with the entry porch, remain sreasonably intact.
Posted on: Sat, 12 Jul 2014 12:29:49 +0000
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