Royal Bank of Queensland, Maryborough facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Royal Bank of Queensland |
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Royal Bank of Queensland, 2016
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| Location | 297 Kent Street, Maryborough, Fraser Coast Region, Queensland, Australia |
| Design period | 1870s - 1890s (late 19th century) |
| Built | 1888 - 1889 |
| Architect | Victor Emmanuel Carandini |
| Architectural style(s) | Classicism |
| Official name: Royal Bank (former), Queensland International Heritage College, Windsor House | |
| Type | state heritage (built) |
| Designated | 21 October 1992 |
| Reference no. | 600699 |
| Significant period | 1880s (fabric) 1889-c. 1973 (historical use as bank) |
| Significant components | banking chamber, residential accommodation - manager's house/quarters |
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The Royal Bank of Queensland is a special old building in Maryborough, Australia. It used to be a bank. This building was designed by Victor Emmanuel Carandini. It was built between 1888 and 1889. Today, it is also known as Queensland International Heritage College and Windsor House. This building is so important that it was added to the Queensland Heritage Register on 21 October 1992. This means it is protected for its history and beauty.
Contents
A Look at the Bank's Past
The Royal Bank of Queensland building was finished in 1889. It was designed by Victor Carandini, an architect from Brisbane. This was the very first branch of the Royal Bank of Queensland to open in Maryborough.
Maryborough's Early Days
Maryborough started as a small settlement. It was first located north of the Mary River. Wharves were built there around 1847-1848. These wharves helped transport wool from sheep farms. In 1850, a surveyor named Hugh Roland Labatt suggested a new spot. He thought a place further east would be better for deeper wharves. So, from the early 1850s, the town grew in this new location.
During the 1860s and 1870s, Maryborough became very busy. It was the main port for the nearby Gympie goldfield. It also helped send out timber and sugar. Factories and other businesses grew, making Maryborough an important regional city.
The Royal Bank Arrives
Many banks opened in Maryborough during the 1800s. The Royal Bank of Queensland opened its branch in 1888. This was after many other banks were already there. The Royal Bank itself started around 1886. Its main office opened in February 1886. The bank focused on business, mining, and farming along the eastern coast.
Victor Carandini was chosen to design the Maryborough bank. He was a well-known architect. He designed many beautiful buildings in Queensland. These included a fire station in Townsville and a church in Beaudesert. The new bank building had two main parts. The ground floor was for banking and offices. The upper floor was a home for the bank manager. This was a common design for banks in regional areas back then.
Changes Over Time
The Royal Bank went through many changes. Around 1917, it joined with the Bank of North Queensland. Together, they formed the Bank of Queensland. Then, in 1921, this new bank merged with the Queensland National Bank. Finally, in the late 1940s, it became part of the National Bank of Australasia Limited.
Because of these mergers, Maryborough had too many bank buildings. The former Royal Bank building was sold in 1973. It was then called Windsor House. It was rented out for different uses. People lived there, and it even had a restaurant. In 1983, it became a medical clinic. It also had laboratories until 1995. After that, it was bought again. It then opened as the Queensland International Heritage College. Some inside walls were removed, and the building was painted.
What the Building Looks Like
The former Royal Bank is a large, two-story brick building. It stands out on Kent Street in Maryborough. Its front, facing the street, looks very balanced. It has three main sections. These sections are separated by round columns called pilasters. These pilasters have fancy tops, like those seen in ancient Greek or Roman buildings.
The middle section has a large, rounded entrance. This entrance is framed by pillars. Above them is a curved, decorative top. On the upper floor, there are rounded windows. These windows have timber frames. The top of the building has a large, broken triangle shape. This shape acts like a decorative wall. It has a central sign panel and other decorations.
The other sides of the building are simpler. They are also made of brick. They have arched windows. There is also a two-story verandah on one side.
Why This Building is Special
The former Royal Bank was added to the Queensland Heritage Register on 21 October 1992. It is important for several reasons.
Showing History's Path
This building is important because it shows how Maryborough grew. It reminds us of the 1880s. That was a time when many banks opened branches in the town. This shows how important Maryborough was back then.
A Great Example of Old Banks
The building is a good example of a late 1800s bank. Its design uses ideas from classical architecture. This style made banks look strong and trustworthy. It showed that they were traditional and reliable.
Beautiful and Important
The former bank is a very well-designed building. It has great architectural value. It also stands out on the street. It makes the area look more beautiful and important.
