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COLONIAL BANK OF AUSTRALASIA (FORMER)

Other Name

National Bank

Location

300 RACECOURSE ROAD, FLEMINGTON, MOONEE VALLEY CITY

Level

Included in Heritage Overlay

[1/2]
300 Racecourse Road.JPG
[2/2]
Flemington & Kensington

Statement of Significance

What is significant?
The former Colonial Bank of Australasia, designed by George Jobbins and built in 1889, at 300 Racecourse Road, Flemington is significant. Perhaps the most ornate of Jobbins' designs, this parapetted three-bayed facade in the Italian Renaissance style has attached Ionic columns and pilasters as the supporting members to a heavy bayed entablature at the upper level and one confined to the side bays, at the lower. Bracketed pediments crown the central windows whilst public and private entrances take their traditional place on the flanks. Balustrading is used sparingly at the parapet: being confined to between the plain gabled pediments of the piers over the side bays and that of the central pier. The building is in good condition and has a relatively high degree of external integrity.

Non-original alterations and additions are not significant.

How is it significant?
The former Colonial Bank of Australasia is of local historic, architectural and aesthetic significance to the City of Moonee Valley.

Why is it significant?
Historically, it is significant as evidence of the development of Racecourse Road into an important shopping centre serving Kensington and Flemington by the late nineteenth century. It is notable as one of the best works of prolific bank architect, George Jobbins.(Criteria A & H)

Architecturally, it is significant as a skillful and original execution of Italian Renaissance Revival by a prolific bank architect, this being perhaps his best work. It has aesthetic significance as a landmark building, which is an important element within the historic Racecourse Road commercial precinct. (Criteria D, E & F)

Group