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National Australia Bank

Location 131 Gray St HAMILTON, Southern Grampians Shire File Number HAMDS058 Level Stage 2 study complete

[1/1] 26559 National Australia Bank

Statement of Significance

SIGNIFICANCE:
In a commanding position at the centre of the commercial area in Hamilton, this bank, under different names, has supervised the business of the street. Its architecture speaks of dignity, reliability and conservatism.

STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE


National Australia Bank
131 Gray Street


In a commanding position at the centre of the commercial area in Hamilton, this bank, under different names, has supervised the business of the street for over a hundred and twenty years. The building has regional significance for its architectural interest as an intact 19th century bank in the Conservative Classical style designed by the architect, Alfred Louis Smith circa 1867 and has been compared to a similar bank in Beechworth. ([i]) Its architecture speaks of dignity, reliability and conservatism. It is also significant for its associations with the history of banking in the Western District region, particularly for the role played by Hamilton banks in financing the district's wool growers and graziers. Built for the Bank of Victoria, it was later owned by the Commercial Banking Co. of Sydney, Ltd ([ii]) and is now known as the National Australia Bank.


The building has undergone major alterations to the interior and extensions at the rear. The facade remains significantly intact. It is in excellent condition. It is the lynch pin of the commercial section Gray Street and critical for the streetscape.