Queensland National Bank, Ipswich facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Queensland National Bank, Ipswich |
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Building in 2016
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| Location | 89 Brisbane Street, Ipswich, City of Ipswich, Queensland, Australia |
| Design period | 1870s - 1890s (late 19th century) |
| Built | 1877 - 1935 |
| Official name: Queensland National Bank - Bank of Queensland, National Bank of Australasia | |
| Type | state heritage (built) |
| Designated | 21 October 1992 |
| Reference no. | 600559 |
| Significant period | 1870s, 1930s (fabric) 1883-1973, 1981-1987 (historical use as a bank) |
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The Queensland National Bank building in Ipswich is a very old building. It used to be a bank. You can find it at 89 Brisbane Street in Queensland, Australia. It was built a long time ago, between 1877 and 1935. This building has also been known as the National Bank of Australasia and the Bank of Queensland. It was added to the Queensland Heritage Register on 21 October 1992 because it's an important historical place.
A Look Back: The Bank's Story
The Queensland National Bank building is made of brick and has a smooth, rendered (plastered) finish. It started as an office building in 1877. We don't know who designed or built it originally.
Before this bank, there was a hotel called the Queen's Arms Hotel on this spot. It was built in 1843 by George Thorn. The hotel was probably pulled down around 1875. Then, the land was sold off in smaller pieces. A man named Enoch Bostock, who was a surveyor and real estate agent, bought the corner piece of land. He built an office there, which opened on January 1, 1878. There was also a stable for three horses behind the office. A blacksmith named William Hayne worked from there.
In 1881, the Queensland National Bank bought Bostock's building. The bank had already opened its first Ipswich branch in 1873. They had been renting a different place. After buying Bostock's building, the bank stayed in its old rented spot until the lease ended. In October 1882, a builder named Peter Brown was hired to fix up Bostock's old office. The bank finally moved into its new home in 1883.
Back then, the bank building looked simpler. It had a central arched doorway and an arched window on each side. These windows and doors had fancy decorations called pilasters (flat columns) and rounded tops with keystones (wedge-shaped stones). Bank records show that "general improvements" were made in 1935. People believe this is when the triangular top part, called a pediment, was added above the entrance. The windows and doors were also changed at this time.
In 1948, the Queensland National Bank joined with the National Bank of Australasia Ltd. This bank also had a branch in Ipswich, not far away. Both branches kept operating until 1973. Then, the old Queensland National Bank building was sold to lawyers named Somers and Walker. They used it as an office. Later, in 1981, they rented it out to the Bank of Queensland. In the late 1970s, a new, modern part was added along East Street. This new section had four separate shops or offices.
Before 1981, the inside of the main bank building had wooden walls and a solid wooden counter. The main entrance had a wooden door with panels. The Bank of Queensland removed all of these old features. They also added metal frames on the outside for their signs.
The bank building was sold again in 1987. After being rented out as offices for another law firm, it became a stationery shop in 1997. It was put up for sale again that same year.
What Does the Building Look Like?
The old Queensland National Bank is a simple, one-story building. It's made of brick with a smooth, rendered finish. The roof is made of corrugated iron and is hidden behind a raised wall called a parapet.
The front of the building, which faces Brisbane Street, looks the same on both sides (symmetrical). It has a modern glass door in the middle. Above the door is a triangular shape called a pediment. On each side of the door, there are two rectangular openings with old wooden windows that can slide up and down.
The front of the building is decorated with simple pilasters (flat columns) and fake block quoins (corner stones). Underneath each window, there's a decorative pattern. These patterns fit the style of the 1930s, which is when the building was changed. You can also see modern metal frames on the outside where business signs are placed.
Along East Street, there's a single-story part of the building. This part has four separate shops or offices. The wall at the northern end is brick. The shops have tinted glass fronts. This part of the building has a lower roof than the original bank building.
Why is it a Heritage Site?
The former Queensland National Bank was added to the Queensland Heritage Register on 21 October 1992. This means it's considered important for several reasons:
- It shows how Queensland's history has changed.
The building was built around 1877. Even though it has been changed, it still looks like a small town bank from that time. It's part of a group of old buildings that make the Ipswich city center look special. It also shows how the Queensland National Bank and later the National Bank of Australasia provided banking services in country towns.
- It shows what a typical old bank building looks like.
Built around 1877, the outside of the old Queensland National Bank shows the typical style of a small bank in a country town.
- It's beautiful and important to the community.
Even with changes, the building still has a look that people in the community value. It's part of a row of historic buildings that make the streetscape of Ipswich's city center look good.
- It's connected to important groups in Queensland's history.
The building is linked to the Queensland National Bank and later the National Bank of Australasia. These banks were important for providing financial services in towns across Queensland.
