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Colonial Mutual Life Building

Location 89 Gray Street HAMILTON, Southern Grampians Shire File Number HAMDS147 Level Stage 2 study complete

[1/1] 27226 Colonial Mutual Life

Statement of Significance

SIGNIFICANCE: Replaced the very significant Victoria Hotel and now forms the third modern corner of this critical intersection.

STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE
Colonial Mutual Life Building
89 Gray Street
The land on which the CML Building was constructed was originally sold at auction by the Crown in 1851 to Acheson French, one of the most interesting and individual of the pioneers of Hamilton. (i) By 1855 James Blastock had built the Victoria Hotel on the site which proved to be one of the most important hotels in Hamilton. (ii) It became a focus for the development of the commercial life of the town. It was demolished in the 1960s for the construction of the CML Building which is of local significance for its architecture and for the historical associations of this nineteenth century life assurance company. The builder was Reg Williams who had built many of the interwar developments in Gray Street. (iii) It is a classic example of the period with its materials and details and appears to be constructed with a reinforced concrete frame. It is derivative of the International style. The building is significantly intact and in excellent condition.

FOOTNOTES
i Garden, D, Hamilton, pp 14-15
ii Ibid. p 58.
iii Conversation with his daughter, Mrs Peg Christie.