Melbourne Savings Bank (Former)
56-58 Ferguson Street WILLIAMSTOWN, Hobsons Bay City
Ferguson St & Douglas Pde Com. Prec.
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Statement of Significance
The Melbourne Savings Bank (Former), designed by Wight & Lucas and constructed in 1887-88, at 56-58 Ferguson Street, Williamstown.
How is it Significant?The Melbourne Savings Bank (Former) is of local historic, social and aesthetic significance to the City of Hobsons Bay.
Why is it Significant?Historically, it is significant as the fourth known Savings Bank in metropolitan Melbourne and the first purpose built bank in Ferguson Street. It demonstrates the development of Williamstown and the emerging importance of Ferguson Street in the late nineteenth century as the primary commercial centre in the city. (AHC criteria A4 and D2)
Aesthetically, it is significant as an altered example of Italian Renaissance Revival Bank. Situated on a prominent corner site, it is a local landmark that contributes to the historic character of Ferguson Street. (AHC criteria E1 and F1)
Socially, it illustrates the important role of banks in nineteenth century society. (AHC criterion G1)
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Melbourne Savings Bank (Former) - Physical Description 1
A two storeyed stuccoed brick and parapeted bank building in the Italian Renaissance revival style. The ground level facade is trabeated in three bays using rusticated Tuscan order coupled pilasters with a dentillated cornice and string moulds and aedicule window pairs at the upper level, carrying on this ornamental device. A protruding bay at the corner sought originally to emphasize the entrance, however its short extent into Cox's Gardens and the hurried termination of the string mould, makes the corner bay appear ungainly. An added bay to the east of the Ferguson Street facade has followed the original design (4).
Wight and Lucas typically employed highly mannered designs for their bank buildings e.g. North Melbourne and Clifton Hill. This building is conservative by comparison.
Modifications to the original fabric include the formerly arched openings in the lower storey, which have been widened, new aluminium framed upper level windows and a modified side entry. The interior has been totally revised. A new wing has been added (c.1990s) at the rear, but the street view remains essentially the same.
Melbourne Savings Bank (Former) - Integrity
External Integrity and condition
Integrity - Moderate to High. Condition - Good.
Melbourne Savings Bank (Former) - Physical Description 2
Context
Relates to the Rose of Australia Hotel, with its stuccoed parapeted form, and provides a major corner element in the Ferguson Street commercial precinct; being echoed by Numbers 24-26, 42-44 in general form and period.
Melbourne Savings Bank (Former) - Historical Australian Themes
Developing local, regional and national economies, Marketing & retailing
Melbourne Savings Bank (Former) - Physical Description 3
Associations
Melbourne Savings Bank, State Bank of Victoria, Wight & Lucas
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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