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UNION BANK OF AUSTRALASIA (FORMER)
Other NamesNational Australia Bank, thematic , - Location30 STANLEY STREET, TOORA, SOUTH GIPPSLAND SHIRE LevelRec for HO area contributory |
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Statement of Significance
What is significant?
The former Union Bank of Australia at 34 Stanley Street, Toora, built in 1907-08, is significant. The double storey brick Federation building with transverse gable roof h as a symmetrical facade of previously tuckpointed bricks that have since been rendered, gable end parapets with a wide, slightly pier on each end at the ridge. The entrance is part of a centrally arched recessed porch on the ground floor at Stanley St, with a residence at the rear of the property. Other key features include:
- Upper and lower floors separated by wide rendered spandrel
- Segmentally arched pairs of double hung windows on ground floor
- Three pairs of double hung windows in upper (no arch).
- Projecting eaves with exposed rafter ends
- North side projecting box bay windows under skillion hoods
- Egg and dart moulding surrounding keystone to entry arch
- Rectangular lead lighting in upper panes of all windows
- Recessed porch with basalt steps, tessellated tile floor and side doors to the banking chamber
- Skillion roof and garden at the rear of the building
- Gum leaf and nut rendered bass relief panel over residential entry way.
Non-original alterations and additions, other than those specified above, are not significant.
How is it significant?
The former Union Bank of Australia, at 34 Stanley Street, Toora, is of historic and aesthetic significance to the South Gippsland Shire.
Why is it significant?
Historically, this is one of the two Union Banks in the Shire that was designed by WR Butler, a noted bank architect in Victoria (see LO-VI-044). The Union Bank of Australia opened in Toora on 17 August, 1907 while the upper floor residence was finished in February, 1908 and was sold in 1942. The Toora branch of the Commercial Banking Company of Victoria opened on 17 August, 1942 and operated until 1982, when it became the National Ban k. This building demonstrates the development of the commercial centre of Toora and illustrates the significance of the town within the commercial sector of the Shire after the establishment of the town's dairy industry. (Criterion A)
Aesthetically, the design of the building significantly contributes to the aesthetic and historic character of Stanley Street and Toora more broadly. This bank, designed by WR Butler, exhibits progressive design themes, in stark contrast to the contemporary, conservative banking designs of the time. This is in contrast with the nearby former Bank of Victoria (35 Stanley St, Toora, see TO-ST-039) which was built only a year earlier. This building is a rare example of this style of design. The scale of the building and its imposing nature over the streetscape demonstrates both the influence of the banking sector within the community and the importance of Toora for commercial reasons (Criterion E)
Aesthetically, the design of the building significantly contributes to the aesthetic and historic character of Stanley Street and Toora more broadly. This bank, designed by WR Butler, exhibits progressive design themes, in stark contrast to the contemporary, conservative banking designs of the time. This is in contrast with the nearby former Bank of Victoria (35 Stanley St, Toora, see TO-ST-039) which was built only a year earlier. This building is a rare example of this style of design. The scale of the building and its imposing nature over the streetscape demonstrates both the influence of the banking sector within the community and the importance of Toora for commercial reasons (Criterion E)
Group
Finance
Category
Bank