380 Collins Street, Melbourne
client Delfin Pty Ltd
The complex now known as The Gothic Bank is made up
of three buildings: The Gothic Bank itself (by Wardell), the former Melbourne Stock Exchange and the Safe Deposit Building (both by Pitt). They were integrated in the 1920s.
The Bank is one of the finest examples of secular
Gothic Revival in Australia and reflects the intimate relationship between the architect and his client, Sir George Verdon, who resided above the main chamber. Drawing on Viollet le Duc and Ruskin, and using commercial palazzo form, Wardell gave the chamber an honesty of structure. Its decoration is by Lyon Cottier & Wells of Glasgow.
Our work began with the preparation of a conservation
management plan and extensive research and documentation, followed by the management of planning and heritage permit processes. Permission to construct an office building attached to the complex was granted on condition that the heritage buildings be restored. So began a project of discovery and the revelation of spectacular interiors.
Materials for the restoration were sourced from all over the world sandstone from the original quarry outside Sydney, green slate from the original US source, marble from Europe. Light fitting designs found in the J. Hardman & Co. archive in Birmingham Museum were reconstructed from original drawings for the project. Hardmans were responsible for most of Pugin's metal work.
The project has won significant architectural awards, both state and national.
constructed 1883-85 (Gothic Bank), 1890-91 (others)
victorian heritage register H 0034
ORIGINAL ARCHITECT (Gothic Bank) William Wardell
ORIGINAL ARCHITECT (MSE, SDB) William Pitt
Gothic Bank, ANZ banking buildings:
Statement of heritage impact for the proposed maintenance platform above the banking chamber decorative skylight
Allom Lovell & Associates
June 2004 : heritage assessment
Specification for materials to be supplied and works carried out in the external conservation works scope B to the ANZ Banking buildings
Allom Lovell & Associates
July 2003 : specification
ANZ Gothic Bank: Review of stored furniture
Allom Lovell & Associates
March 1995 : review
380 Collins Street: An appraisal of the
conservation constraints and the proposed redevelopment
Allom Lovell & Associates
July 1989 : conservation analysis
OTHER PROJECTS INCLUDE
Athenaeum Theatre, Melbourne
Government House, Perth
Princess Theatre, Melbourne
Royal College of Surgeons, Melbourne
Royal Exhibition Building
Windsor Hotel, Melbourne
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