Commonwealth Bank Building

Statement of Significance

Michael Upton Beasley has observed that "the love for huge columns, encompassing two or more floors originated from the dying embers of imperialism, and from the reeds of still hidden frames. The GPO and the adjoining Commonwealth Bank in Forrest Place and Murray St are good examples of this.

Physical Description

The bank is six stories plus basement. Construction is of reinforced concrete frame with mushroom columns and flat plate floors. Granite from Greenmount Quarry faced the building up to the springing point of the arches with free stone above that. This was the last of the stone-faced buildings build by the Commonwealth.

History

Assessment 1978
Construction: 1930 - 1933
Architect: J.S. Murdoch
Builder: Andrew Douglas
The design of the General Post Office and the Commonwealth Bank is attributed to J.S. Murdoch F.R.I.B.A., C.M.G.. Contract documentation and supervision of construction for the GPO was carried out by the State Government Works Department under Hillson Beasley initially and later W.B. Hardwick. COntract documents for the Bank were prepared by the Bank's architectural staff. Construction began under the direction of R.M. Baxter.
Each building has a fine public space at ground floor level.

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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Disclaimer

This information is provided voluntarily as a public service. The information provided is made available in good faith and is derived from sources believed to be reliable and accurate. However, the information is provided solely on the basis that readers will be responsible for making their own assessment of the matters discussed herein and are advised to verify all relevant representations, statements and information.