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UNION BANK (FORMER)
Other Namesthematic , - Location44 VICTORIA ROAD, LOCH, SOUTH GIPPSLAND SHIRE LevelRec for HO area contributory |
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Statement of Significance
What is significant?
The former Union Bank in Loch, at 44 Victoria Road, Loch, built in 1902, is significant. The symmetrical two-storey red brick building has a transverse parapet gable roof with a large tabbed and corbelled brick chimney with terracotta pots, and rendered spandrel (originally roughcast) separating the upper and lower floors, as well as at the second floor ceiling height on the gable ends. Other key features include:
- Central rendered door panel in ground floor with a single wide arched window on each side (missing original frames and sashes)
- Wide central door panel capped with ogee scrolled hood moulds contained within tendered spandrel
- At end elevations, a pair of symmetrical narrow windows on each floor
- Five double hung narrow windows on upper in a pair-single-pair formation.
- Residential style upper floor
- Secondary rear gable
- Two gable parapets and parapet at the rear skillion are capped at the eaves with rendered sphere decorations.
- Parallel single store gable with skillion roof at rear
- Wide garden area on opposite side of building to Smith Street
Non-original alterations and additions, other than those specified above, are not significant.
How is it significant?
The former Union Bank at 44 Victoria Road, Loch is of local historic and aesthetic significance to the South Gippsland Shire. The former Union Bank is also strongly associated with the architect WR Butler.
Why is it significant?
Historically, the former Union Bank in Loch is the oldest extant bank in the South Gippsland Shire. The Union Bank began the process of constructing the imposing permanent bank premises in 1902. This branch in Loch was operational until it closed in 1979. The age and imposing nature of the building demonstrate the high regard the bank held for the Loch community and surrounds. It also demonstrates the importance of Loch as a commercial centre in the early development of the South Gippsland Shire . (Criterion A)
Aesthetically, the former Union Bank in Loch is a superior example of a brick Federation bank within the Shire. The former Union Bank is a local landmark in Loch and significantly contribute to the character of Victoria Road and Loch. (Criterion E)
It is one of two banks designed by WR Butler in South Gippsland, a notable bank architect at the time and these buildings were considered the finest examples of their type and period. Mr Butler also build the former Union Bank at Toora (see TO-ST-030). Mr Butler was known for his progressive Federation design themes that were considered contemporary during that period. (Criterion H)
Aesthetically, the former Union Bank in Loch is a superior example of a brick Federation bank within the Shire. The former Union Bank is a local landmark in Loch and significantly contribute to the character of Victoria Road and Loch. (Criterion E)
It is one of two banks designed by WR Butler in South Gippsland, a notable bank architect at the time and these buildings were considered the finest examples of their type and period. Mr Butler also build the former Union Bank at Toora (see TO-ST-030). Mr Butler was known for his progressive Federation design themes that were considered contemporary during that period. (Criterion H)
Group
Finance
Category
Bank