Commercial Bank of Australia (Former)
193 Nelson Place WILLIAMSTOWN, Hobsons Bay City
Nelson Place Heritage Precinct
-
Add to tour
You must log in to do that.
-
Share
-
Shortlist place
You must log in to do that.
- Download report
Statement of Significance
The former Commercial Bank of Australia, designed by Smith & Ogg and constructed in 1892, at 193 Nelson Place, Williamstown.
How is it Significant?The former Commercial Bank of Australia at 193 Nelson Place, Williamstown is of local historic and aesthetic significance to the City of Hobsons Bay.
Why is it Significant?Historically, as the third major bank constructed in Nelson Place it demonstrates its importance as the main commercial centre in Williamstown during the latter part of the nineteenth century. (AHC criteria A4 and G1)
Aesthetically, it is significant as a relatively late example of an Italian Renaissance Revival commercial building with typically rich detailing to the principal facades. Situated on a prominent corner site at a key intersection, opposite a similarly styled former Bank, it makes an important contribution to the historic character of the Nelson Place precinct. (AHC criteria E1 and F1)
-
-
Commercial Bank of Australia (Former) - Physical Description 1
A two-storey parapeted and stuccoed Renaissance Revival bank, on an angled site possessing a splayed-corner entrance; a shop occurs on the north end. Pronounced, smooth rustication is used on the base storey whilst, as for the former Bank of Australasia (On the opposite corner), aedicule windows are used for the upper facade, echoing the pedimented corner entrance below. Balustrading and piers enrich the parapet which has an unusually plain raised entablature at the corner. The former CBA Bank shows typical late Victorian heaviness of detail when compared to its opposing neighbour.
The shopfront, although sympathetic, is not original. Other changes to the original fabric include the replacement of an upper floor window to the shop, and the replacement of the original cast iron verandah.
Commercial Bank of Australia (Former) - Integrity
External Integrity
Integrity - Moderate. Condition - Good.
Commercial Bank of Australia (Former) - Physical Description 2
Context
Like the former Bank of Australasia on the opposite corner, it occupies a prominent corner site commencing the 19th century commercial streetscape of Nelson Place north and linking by commonality of form and detail, with Nelson Place west. It also relates to the former Post Office at the corner of Parker and Cole Streets as the bridge between these two streetscapes and the public buildings group in Cecil Street.
Commercial Bank of Australia (Former) - Historical Australian Themes
Financing Australia
Commercial Bank of Australia (Former) - Physical Description 3
Associations
Commercial Bank of Australia, Smith & Ogg
Heritage Study and Grading
Hobsons Bay - Hobsons Bay Heritage Study
Author: Hobsons Bay City Council
Year: 2006
Grading:
-
-
-
-
-
FORMER MORGUEVictorian Heritage Register H1512
-
WILLIAMSTOWN PRIMARY SCHOOLVictorian Heritage Register H1639
-
RESIDENCEVictorian Heritage Register H0487
-
-