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Former Bank Of Australasia

Other Name ANZ Bank Location 2 Malop Street and Cnr Gheringhap Street,, GEELONG VIC 3220 - Property No B0252 File Number B0252 Level State

[1/1] B0252 Bank Of Australasia

Statement of Significance

The A.N.Z. Bank was erected in 1859/60 for the Bank of Australasia. Melbourne architects, Purchas and Swyer, designed this two storey bank with a conservative classical facade of Barrabool sandstone and full height banking chamber. The stone facade was refaced in brick in September 1956 and the interior altered. The spacious banking chamber with classically derived plasterwork ornamentation remains intact.
The Banking Chamber is an interesting example of a mid nineteenth century bank interior, most notable for the proportions and classical ornamentation which have been preserved intact. The strongly modelled plasterwork and skylight panels in the ceiling are surviving elements of a once finely modelled conservative classical bank now almost totally defaced.
The original character and qualities of the former Bank of Australasia heve been obliterated by construction of the brick facade in 1956. The Banking Chamber, with the entry porch, remain sreasonably intact.
Classified: 'National'27/11/1958
Revised: 20/06/1974 (following refacing of the building)