Commonwealth Bank Building

Statement of Significance

The place defines the southern end of Forest Place and, with its strongly modelled facade and well-defined corners, gives a sculptural quality to Forrest Place and contributes a vital element to the streetscape.
It is a significant example of the Inter-War Beaux-Arts style of architecture, of which there are few examples in Perth.
The use of steel frame construction, allowing monumental construction characterised by large open spaces inside the building.
The place is closely associated with the Commonwealth Government's programmes of employment, during the Depression of the 1930's, through public building and infrastructure programmes.
The place is closely associated with the provision of Commonwealth Government and banking serves in Western Australia.
The place is representative of the changes in styles of banking practice and technology in the late twentieth century.

Physical Description

Large formal commercial building. Granite cladding at ground floor level. Arched openings to street, classical detail to facade at upper levels, recessed windows behind circular columns. good example of Beaux Arts style.

History

The building provides banking chambers and associated offices for the Commonwealth of Australia. The Commonwealth acquired land between Murray and Wellington Street for the accommodation of government offices- General Post Office, Commonwealth Bank headquarters and Customs Department in 1911. The Customs Department wasn’t built. In 1916 plans were made to create a street between Murray and Wellington Streets for a civic precinct facing the railway station. Forrest Place was created in 1924. In 1929 plans were drawn for the Commonwealth Bank building by the Commonwealth Government Architect. Construction started in 1930 and the timber was supplied by Bunnings. The building was opened in 1933 and had the latest technologies of the time.
By the 1970s the building was renovated to modernise it. In the 1980s Forrest Place was redeveloped into a civic precinct. The change in the bank’s policy to be more friendly and relaxed led to the internal rooms to be more open and the banking hall to be restored to its 1930s design.
The bank has moved from this location and the ground floor has been divided into retail tenancies. The upper floors are currently used for offices.

Integrity/Authenticity

Low level of integrity.
Medium level of authenticity as it is largely as originally constructed with detail intact and it has had some unsympathetic internal changes recent restoration work has been undertaken to reverse this.

Condition

Good

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

Publish place record online (inHerit):

Last Update

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.