Western Australian Bank, Albany Branch

The Western Australian Bank, Albany, also known as the Haynes Robinson building, is a heritage listed building located on Stirling Terrace overlooking Princess Royal Harbour in Albany in the Great Southern region of Western Australia.

Western Australian Bank, Albany (fmr)
Former namesBank of New South Wales, Commercial Bank, Haynes Robinson
General information
Architectural styleFederation Academic Classical style
Address142-144 Stirling Terrace
Town or cityAlbany
Coordinates35.026777°S 117.884294°E / -35.026777; 117.884294 (Western Australian Bank)
Construction started1890
Completed1891
Cost£6697
Design and construction
ArchitectJoseph John Talbot Hobbs
Main contractorJ Hurst and son
TypeState Registered Place
Designated7 December 2007
Part ofStirling Terrace Precinct, Albany (14922)
Reference no.60
References
Heritage Council of Western Australia
Western Australian Bank building on Stirling Terrace

It was built in the Federation Academic Classical style and originally housed the local branch of the Commercial Bank of Australia.[1] The two storey building has many features that are identical to those of the eastern neighbouring building.[2] The building is constructed on a rusticated base, there are two entrance doors with classically derived casements made up of plain pilasters, cornices, scrolled brackets and tympanum. A pair of arched windows are found between the doors. A deep cornice was set above the entablature, there is an open balustrade at parapet level, with piers topped with urns at each end and a raised panel buttressed by scrolls and tympanum above. In 2000, the parapet level including the urns and tympanum were removed, and the entire building was painted.[2]

The two storey building has a symmetrical smooth rendered façade, with the lower floor finished in rendered ashlar. The paired groups of arched windows have classical pillars and prominent architraves. A number of classical motifs have been utilised to embellish the façade.[2]

The building was built in 1890[3][2] for the Commercial Bank during the Western Australian gold rush period when prospectors would disembark at Albany then travel further north.[4]

Plans were approved by May 1890 for construction with an estimated cost of £6000.[5] The architect, John Talbot Hobbs, called for tenders early the following month for construction.[6] The tender was awarded to J Hurst and son, with a bid of £6697,[7] and they commenced construction of the building in late July of the same year.[8] The contract also included the demolition of the existing single storey buildings on the site.[2] Works on the building were completed in June 1891.[3]

In 1897 the Western Australian bank had taken over the premises from the Commercial Bank.[2]

In 2000, the Great Southern Development Commission offices were located within the building[2] but were later moved to Pyrmont House.

Currently the building is used for office space, including by the former member of Albany and now lawyer, Kevin Prince.[9]

See also

References
  1. "The Western Australian Bank - Albany, Western Australia". Waymarking.com. Retrieved 4 June 2016.
  2. "Western Australian Bank (fmr)". inHerit. Heritage Council of Western Australia. 16 April 2016. Retrieved 4 June 2016.
  3. John Taylor (2009). "Joseph John Talbot Hobbs" (PDF). University of Western Australia. Retrieved 4 June 2016.
  4. "Albany, WA". Aussie Towns. 2016. Retrieved 3 June 2016.
  5. "Southern Sighs". The W.A. Bulletin. Western Australia. 10 May 1890. p. 6. Retrieved 4 June 2016 – via National Library of Australia.
  6. "General news". The Inquirer And Commercial News. L (1498). Western Australia. 6 June 1890. p. 3. Retrieved 4 June 2016 – via National Library of Australia.
  7. "General news". The Daily News. VIII (2761). Western Australia. 8 July 1890. p. 3. Retrieved 4 June 2016 – via National Library of Australia.
  8. "Albany". The W.A. Record. XVI (517). Western Australia. 24 July 1890. p. 7. Retrieved 4 June 2016 – via National Library of Australia.
  9. "Kevin Prince, Albany criminal lawyer". Lawgate.com.au. Retrieved 4 June 2016.
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