343 George Street, Sydney facts for kids
Quick facts for kids 343 George Street, Sydney |
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the former CBC bank building, pictured in 2014
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| Location | 343 George Street Sydney central business district, City of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia |
| Built | 1921–1925 |
| Architect | Kent and Massie |
| Architectural style(s) | Inter-war Commercial Palazzo |
| Owner | SAS Trustee Corporation |
| Official name: CBC Bank (former); CBC Bank; NAB Bank; Barrack House | |
| Type | State heritage (built) |
| Designated | 2 April 1999 |
| Reference no. | 428 |
| Type | Bank |
| Category | Commercial |
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343 George Street, Sydney is a historic building in the heart of Sydney. It was once a grand bank and is now a modern shopping and office space. This nine-storey building is located at 343 George Street in the city's main business area.
It was built between 1921 and 1925. For many years, it was home to the Commercial Banking Company of Sydney (CBC). Later, it became part of the National Australia Bank. People also know this building as CBC Bank, NAB Bank, or Barrack House. Today, the New South Wales Government owns it. The ground floor is a shop, and the floors above are offices. Since 2018, the luxury brand Burberry has occupied the ground floor.
Contents
Building History
This impressive building was finished in 1925. It was built for the Commercial Banking Company of Sydney (CBC). This bank was very important in New South Wales.
In 1981, the CBC bank joined with the National Bank of Australasia. This merger created the National Australia Bank (NAB). The building continued to be used for banking until 2008.
Building Design and Features
The building at 343 George Street is a great example of a style called Inter-war Commercial Palazzo. This style was popular in the 1920s and 1930s. It often featured grand, palace-like designs for commercial buildings.
Inside the Bank Building
The inside of the building, especially the main banking hall, is very special. It has beautiful finishes like marble and bronze. These materials show how important and trusted banks were in the 1920s.
- Marble and Bronze: The main banking area and the safe deposit vault use rare Australian marbles. These are some of the best and most complete marble bank interiors from the early 20th century in Sydney.
- Vault Door: The building has a unique circular Chubb Safe Deposit Vault door. It was one of the first of its kind in Australia. It is still one of only two such doors in the entire Southern Hemisphere.
Who Designed and Built It?
The building was designed by architects Kent and Massie. Many people believe this is one of their best commercial buildings. The company Stuart Brothers built it. Both firms were very important in shaping Sydney's architecture in the early 1900s.
Why This Building Is Important
343 George Street is listed on the New South Wales State Heritage Register. This means it is a very important historical site. It was added to the list on 2 April 1999.
Historical Significance
This building is important because it was the main office for one of New South Wales's leading banks. The CBC bank was located here from the 1850s until it merged with NAB in the 1980s. It shows how grand and trusted banks were in the 1920s.
Architectural Beauty
The building shows amazing design and craftsmanship. Its large size, shape, and materials make it a beautiful example of its time. The detailed work, especially with Australian and Carrara marble, is unique in New South Wales. The elegant banking hall, with its marble and bronze, shows the importance of Sydney's past banks.
Rarity and Uniqueness
The building's interior, especially the main banking hall and the lower ground floor, is very rare today. It is one of the most complete marble-finished banking chambers in New South Wales. It still has its original furniture and fittings. The circular Chubb vault door is also very rare.
Community Connection
As the former main office of a major bank, 343 George Street might still hold special meaning for people who used to work there or were customers.
Learning from the Building
The building's design, craftsmanship, and technology offer a lot to learn. They show the very high quality of construction from that period. Many similar bank buildings have been changed a lot. This one remains a remarkable example of a 20th-century bank headquarters.
