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Former English, Scottish & Australian Bank

Other Names ANZ Bank ,  Gothic Bank Location 376 - 390 Collins Street and Cnr Queen Street,, MELBOURNE VIC 3000 - Property No B0081 File Number B0081 Level National

[1/1] B0081 Former ES & A Bank

Statement of Significance

The Former E.S. & A. (The Gothic Bank), was erected in 1883-87 and originally served as the Head Office and General Manager's residence of the E. S. & A. Bank. The architect was W.W. Wardell, the contractors were Goss and Mason, and the Clerk of Works was A Todd. The three storey brick structure is faced with Pyrmont stone. In 1923 the banking chamber was enlarged into the adjacent Stock Exchange Building and minor alterations were made to the facades.
This is the finest sectarian gothic revival building in Victoria and masterpiece of William Wardell. It stands as a monument to Sir George Verdon, the bank's general manager and patron of the gothic revival, and was the focus of a series of gothic branches erected by the E. S. & A. Bank. The finely composed and austere facades are modelled on Venetian gothic architecture; they contrast with the unique and magnificent banking chamber. The decoration and finishes throughout the building are of the highest quality.
Adaptation from AHC Citation.
Classified: 02/12/1974