Commercial Building 1907/11, Bank of New South Wales

Author

City of Perth

Place Number

27317

Location

200-206 William Street Perth

Location Details

Other Name(s)

Bank of New South Wales (fmr)

Local Government

Perth

Region

Metropolitan

Construction Date

Constructed from 1907 to 1911, Constructed from 1897, Constructed from 2005, Constructed from 2013

Demolition Year

N/A

Statutory Heritage Listings

Type Status Date Documents
Heritage List Adopted 31 Aug 2021
Heritage List Adopted 06 May 2022

Heritage Council Decisions and Deliberations

Type Status Date Documents
(no listings)

Other Heritage Listings and Surveys

Type Status Date Grading/Management
Category
Local Heritage Survey Completed\Draft Category 2
Local Heritage Survey Adopted 28 Mar 2023 Category 2

Parent Place or Precinct

11492 Bank of New South Wales (NSW)(fmr)

Statement of Significance

The place has aesthetic interest due to its truncated corner which addresses a street intersection and the Federation style detailing in the façades at the upper levels. The place reflects the development boom which occurred north of the railway at the turn of the century, largely due to gold rush prosperity and the influx of migrants. The place forms part of the vibrant William Street streetscape and contributes to the community’s sense of place. The uses of the building reflect a diversity of commercial activities and occupation by cultural groups that are identifiable characteristics of the local environment. The three-storey portion of the place is the only structure in the streetscape without a parapeted street elevation. The place is representative of a Federation style commercial building incorporating a strong street focus and public accessibility.

Physical Description

The c.1907/11 Building is a three-storey commercial building at the southeast corner of James and William streets currently occupied by ‘Sauma’ Indian restaurant. The three storey portion of the place is truncated across the street corner and has a hipped corrugated iron roof. The upper levels have restored tuckpointed brick facades with simple render dressings to the rectangular windows. A two storey semi-restored tuckpointed brick (to James Street) and painted section with a hipped roof abuts the larger, front portion of the building, extending east along James Street with a further single storey section adjoining the rear of the place. A door opening at the rear of the two storey section of the place provides access to the upper floors. In 2005, works were undertaken to upgrade the front façade of the existing building and the installation of timber flooring. 2013 fit out works associated with the small bar use at the rear of the building and in the adjacent ‘c.1897 building’, resulted in (amongst other works) the demolition of rear additions, construction of a new steel awning to William/James Streets and a new contemporary glass and steel canopy to the rear of the building facing James Street and construction of a new outdoor courtyard including stairs and ramping leading from James Street. Currently the front tenancy (to William Street) is occupied by ‘Sauma’ Indian restaurant.

History

During the 1890’s, the gold-rushes had a profound impact on the state’s economy. Commercial and residential development was rapid in all parts of the town and land became a sought-after commodity. Hutt Street (renamed William Street in 1897/98) underwent massive changes during this period with Perth Town Lot Y15, being the land on Hutt Street between Francis and James streets, sold in six portions between 1882 and 1886. The northern portion was subdivided into Lots 1 & 2 in 1896 and a building licence issued to Levi Green in 1897. It is assumed this was for the two-storey ‘c. 1897 Building on the former Lot 2. A building licence issued to F. A. Wedge Esq. in 1907 is likely to have been for additions to the existing 1897 structure. Plans dated 1911, by architect J. Harwood show additions to the Union Restaurant at the corner of James and William streets for Wedge. Lot 1 was transferred to The Bank of New South Wales in 1927 and continued to operate at the place until 1980 when the land, including Lot 2, which had been transferred to the Bank in 1955, was transferred to the Crown. Modifications were made to the ground level facade for a former restaurant at the place, ‘Spaghetti Western’ and upper level rooms were leased under the collective name, Gotham Studios to individual artists.

Integrity/Authenticity

Medium level of integrity. Medium level of authenticity.

Condition

Fair

Associations

Name Type Year From Year To
J. Harwood Architect - -

References

Ref ID No Ref Name Ref Source Ref Date
Central Perth Heritage Inventory MRA March 2016

Other Keywords

Local Heritage List - Council resolved to approve the entry of places on in the City Planning Scheme No. 2 Heritage List on 31 August 2021 and effective from 6 May 2022 upon the gazettal of City Planning Scheme No. 2 Amendment No. 46 and Local Planning Scheme No. 26 (Normalised Redevelopment Areas) Amendment No. 4

Place Type

Individual Building or Group

Uses

Epoch General Specific
Present Use COMMERCIAL Restaurant
Original Use COMMERCIAL Bank

Architectural Styles

Style
Federation Free Classical

Construction Materials

Type General Specific
Wall BRICK Common Brick
Roof METAL Corrugated Iron

Historic Themes

General Specific
OCCUPATIONS Hospitality industry & tourism
DEMOGRAPHIC SETTLEMENT & MOBILITY Immigration, emigration & refugees
DEMOGRAPHIC SETTLEMENT & MOBILITY Depression & boom
DEMOGRAPHIC SETTLEMENT & MOBILITY Settlements
OCCUPATIONS Commercial & service industries

Creation Date

09 Sep 2024

Publish place record online (inHerit):

Approved

Last Update

09 Sep 2024

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.