Former National Bank of Australasia
312 High Street NORTHCOTE, Darebin City
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Statement of Significance
The former National Bank of Australasia is of local architectural and historical significance.
The building is one of a number of banks designed by architect George Jobbins for the National Bank of Victoria. Construction of the bank in 1890 is associated with the growth of the banking sector during the 1880s-90s economic boom. The building is a substantially intact nineteenth century bank designed in the High Italian Renaissance revival style, reflecting the prevailing optimistic mood of the community. The building is a notable element of the local streetscape due to its fine detailing and large scale. The bank has served the local community over a long period of time.
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Former National Bank of Australasia - Physical Description 1
The Northcote National Bank is a rendered building designed in the High Italian Renaissance revival style. The two-storey classical composition is divided into five bays, and comprises a rusticated ground floor superimposed by an arcaded first floor loggia. The ground floor has arched double-hung sash windows. The central arched entrance is flanked by engage Corinthian columns supporting a pediment containing the bank's crest. A panelled pedestal course rests on a bluestone plinth. The first floor arched openings are flanked by pilasters which are coupled on the slightly projecting end bays. The openings are balustraded and have moulded archivolts with keystones. The central section of the entablature is embellished with garlands. Above the entablature is a balustraded parapet with a central crowning acrotorion. Each parapet pier is surmounted by an orb. Alterations include the addition of an illuminated sign and the replacement of the side fence which was originally of capped corrugated iron.
At ground floor level, interior was designed with a banking chamber, manager's room, strong room, dining room, kitchen and scullery. The remainder of the residential accommodation was located on the upper-level, including a drawing room, five bedrooms, and a housemaid's sink on the rear verandah.
Other National Banks designed by Jobbins include one at Newstead (1886-7), at Boort (1889), Newlyn (1889), Nhill (1888) and many others for the Colonial Bank. Most of these designs are more conservative than at Northcote, being derived from the Palazzo designs of the Italian Renaissance.
Only the Colonial Bank at Brunswick (1888) matched the vigour of Northcote which, with its exuberant styling, appears relatively Baroque.
Heritage Study and Grading
Darebin - Darebin Heritage Review
Author: Andrew Ward
Year: 2000
Grading:
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FORMER LITTLE SISTERS OF THE POOR HOME FOR THE AGEDVictorian Heritage Register H1950
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TERRACE HOUSESVictorian Heritage Register H1774
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FORMER NORTHCOTE THEATREVictorian Heritage Register H2287
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