National Bank & Chambers
53 Malop Street, GEELONG VIC 3220 - Property No 215194
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Statement of Significance
B Listed - Regional Significance
Significance
Historically, a major public building over a 60 year period and an indication of the growth and consolidation of banking companies after World War One and, particularly, the Great Depression. Architecturally, one of a rare breed in Geelong of the large early 20th century commercial buildings, also seen in Melbourne in greater numbers and larger scale. With its relatively larger scale, goes the amplification of the prevailing, Greek Revival Style into Geelongs best (and only example at this scale).
References
CTHE open 27.1.28; RB 1927, 373; RB 1928, 378f.
Geelong Advertiser 28/1/28
MUAI
Trethowan ' Banks in Victoria'
D 1930-61
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National Bank & Chambers - Physical Description 1
Description
Greek Revival in detail, the bold rounded0corner form is also typical of many 19th century Renaissance revival examples. This bank differs in the simplification or reinterpretation of period detailing and fenestration, as demanded by greater daylight penetration. Upper windows are vertical slots, with paneled spandrels lowerlevel windows fill the Ionic pilastrade with multipane metalframed glazing. The main chamber is typically near double-height, to achieve the monumentality inherent in the style. Stone and cement-render are blended-skillfully-to achieve-a-convincing-classical-character and the saltire-cross, used in balustrading and window mullions, hint at the Green sources.
External Integrity
Generally original, added signs.
Streetscape
Opposite National Mutual Life (c1924), the altered former Solomons Department Store 1914, Colonial Mutual Chambers 1927 and formerly across from the old Commonwealth Bank and Victoria Hotel bothSites (both demolished), this bank was once part of a visually cohesive group of some of the towns most prestigious commercial buildings. Today it relates closely to the CML amp NML Buildings and other landmark corner sites such as the T& G Building (1932) and Bank of NewSouth Wales (1938).
Heritage Study and Grading
Greater Geelong - Geelong City Urban Conservation Study, Volumes 2-5
Author: Graeme Butler
Year: 1991
Grading:
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FORMER GEELONG WOOL EXCHANGEVictorian Heritage Register H0622
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FORMER SCOTTISH CHIEFS HOTELVictorian Heritage Register H0662
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GEELONG TOWN HALLVictorian Heritage Register H0184
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