Western Australian Bank, York

The Western Australian Bank building in York is the third oldest surviving bank building in Western Australia and, until 27 September 2019, was the oldest still in-use as a bank.[lower-alpha 1]

Western Australian Bank
Western Australian Bank, York, in 2018
Alternative namesBank of New South Wales, Westpac
General information
Address147 Avon Terrace
Town or cityYork, Western Australia
Coordinates31.8879°S 116.7683°E / -31.8879; 116.7683
Construction started1889
Design and construction
Architecture firmTalbot Hobbs
References
York municipal inventory

History

The building was designed by the architect, Talbot Hobbs, in Victorian Academic Classical style. Hobbs designed other banks for the Western Australian Bank.[1] The land on which the building stands was purchased from the estate of William Kett in 1889.[2]

The bank opened for business on 24 August 1889. James Rose was its first manager.[3] Above the bank office is the manager's residence. At the time of its opening, the bank was next door to Edwards & Co's chemist's shop.[4]

The Western Australian Bank amalgamated with the Bank of New South Wales in 1927. In 1982, it merged with the Commercial Bank of Australia to form the Westpac Banking Corporation. Westpac closed its branch on 27 September 2019.

The building was placed on the register of the National Estate on 21 March 1978 and was classified by the National Trust on 5 March 1985.

Notes
  1. Older are the former National Bank 1881 and Union Bank 1884 in Albany.

References
  1. Western Australian Bank, Albany Branch, 22 High St, Fremantle 1891 and 97 Victoria St, Bunbury 1895.
  2. The WA Record, 18 July 1889, page 7.
  3. Western Mail, 27 July 1889, page 24; Eastern Districts Chronicle, 24 August 1889, page 7.
  4. Eastern Districts Chronicle, 24 August 1889, page 4.
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