EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
RECOMMENDATION TO THE
HERITAGE COUNCIL TO
AMEND AN EXISTING REGISTRATION
NAME
FORMER ANZ BANK (TO BE RE-NAMED THE FORMER ES&A BANK)
DATE REGISTERED:
20 OCTOBER 1976
VHR NUMBER:
VHR H0390
HERITAGE OVERLAY NO:
HO749 (covers the exterior of the whole place)
LOCATION
219-225 SWANSTON STREET, MELBOURNE
CATEGORY
HERITAGE PLACE
HERMES NUMBER:
819
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR RECOMMENDATION TO THE HERITAGE COUNCIL:
To amend the existing registration for VHR H0390 in accordance with s.54 of the Heritage Act 1995 by:
 Renaming the place from Former ANZ Bank to Former ES&A Bank
 Including the whole of the place and land within the registration (previously only Swanston St
façade registered)
 Adding a permit policy and permit exemptions in accordance with s.42(4) of the Act.
Reasons for the proposed amendment:
The building was constructed by the English, Scottish and Australian Bank (ES&A Bank) and was used by
the company until 1970. It is appropriate to refer to this place as the Former ES&A Bank.
The existing extent of registration applies only to the Swanston Street façade of the building. The
registration does not include a permit policy or permit exemptions.
The existing registration documentation is provided at Attachment 1 of this report.
TIM SMITH
Executive Director
Recommendation Date:
10 July 2015
AMENDMENT REASON
An application for amendment of the registration of the Former ANZ Bank, Swanston Street was received by
Heritage Victoria in May 2015. This application was made due to concerns that a current development
proposal will alter significant parts of the exterior and interior of the building.
The extent of the existing registration currently applies only to the Swanston Street façade of the building.
The Little Bourke Street facade and the interior of the building are not presently included in the registration.
The current registration does not include a permit policy or permit exemptions.
The recommendation of the Executive Director is to include the whole of the former ANZ Bank building - to
be renamed the Former ES&A Bank to better reflect its history - including the interior banking chamber,
upper levels and rear stairwell, and to add a permit policy and permit exemptions to the registration.
PROPOSED EXTENT OF REGISTRATION
All of the place shown hatched on Diagram 390 encompassing all of Lot 1 on Title Plan 893920 and all of Lot
1 on Title Plan 387843.
The extent of registration of the Former ES&A Bank, Swanston Street in the Victorian Heritage Register
affects the whole place shown on Diagram 390 including the land and the building, including both the
exteriors and interiors.
2
Name: Former ES&A Bank, Melbourne
VHR number: H0390
Hermes number: 819
AERIAL PHOTO OF THE PLACE SHOWING PROPOSED REGISTRATION
Note: Current registration is for the Swanston Street façade only.
3
Name: Former ES&A Bank, Melbourne
VHR number: H0390
Hermes number: 819
PROPOSED STATEMENT OF CULTURAL HERITAGE SIGNIFICANCE
What is significant?
The Former ES&A Bank, Swanston Street consisting of a corner building with basement, double height
central space with mezzanine, two levels of office space and rooftop residence.
History Summary
The Former ES&A Bank, 219-225 Swanston Street was built for the English, Scottish and Australian (ES&A)
Bank in 1928 by Clement Langford to a design by Henry Hare and Hare. The London Bank of Australia
occupied part of this corner site and, after being taken over by the ES&A Bank in 1922. The new branch
building for the ES&A was built in this location. In 1970 the ES&A Bank became the ANZ Bank and this branch
in Swanston Street was sold to the NSW Building Society in c1976. It later housed a branch of the Hong Kong
and Shanghai Banking Corporation (HSBC) and was converted to retail use in the early 2000s.
Description Summary
The Former ES&A Bank at 219-225 Swanston Street is a four storey stone-clad, reinforced concrete
structure, set on a grey granite base. It is designed in a giant austere Greek neo-classical revival style which
was popular for bank design in the 1920s. Facades to Swanston and Little Bourke Streets incorporate giant
engaged Ionic columns and pilasters, with multi-paned windows and panelled spandrels in between,
rusticated corner piers and an entablature with dentilled cornice. A cement rendered, high attic storey
above has cross-paned windows and classical decoration. A central flight of stairs leads from Swanston
Street to the former banking chamber which is a double height space with elaborate coffered ceiling
supported on square Ionic columns and pilasters. A mezzanine level is located within this space. An
elaborately detailed stairwell at the rear, with wrought iron balustrade and tiled dado, provides access to
two levels of office space above and a rooftop residence. A stair with matching balustrade is accessed from
Swanston Street and provides access to the basement and first floor. The entrance surround and doors are
copper-clad, the secondary door in Swanston Street is of bronzed metal and basement window lights in Little
Bourke Street contain patterned glass. The night safe in Little Bourke Street has been retained.
This site is part of the traditional land of the Kulin Nation.
How is it significant?
The Former ES&A Bank, Swanston Street is of architectural significance to the State of Victoria. It satisfies
the following criterion for inclusion in the Victorian Heritage Register:
Criterion D
Importance in demonstrating the principal characteristics of a class of cultural places and objects.
Why is it significant?
The Former ES&A Bank, Swanston Street is significant at the State level for the following reasons:
The Former ES&A Bank, Swanston Street is architecturally significant as a highly intact and notable example
of the popular 1920s Greek neo-Classical revival. The Greek Revival style was favoured by the ES&A Bank,
with its emphasis on solidity and grandeur, and a number of its branches in Victoria were built in this style in
the 1920s. The high integrity of the two main external facades, the interior double height former banking
chamber, and rear stairwell contribute to this significance. [Criterion D]
4
Name: Former ES&A Bank, Melbourne
VHR number: H0390
Hermes number: 819
PROPOSED PERMIT POLICY
DRAFT ONLY – NOT YET APPROVED BY THE HERITAGE COUNCIL
Preamble
The purpose of the Permit Policy is to assist when considering or making decisions regarding works to a
registered place. It is recommended that any proposed works be discussed with an officer of Heritage
Victoria prior to making a permit application. Discussing proposed works will assist in answering questions
the owner may have and aid any decisions regarding works to the place.
The extent of registration of the Former ES&A Bank, Swanston Street in the Victorian Heritage Register
affects the whole place shown on Diagram 390 including the land and the building. Under the Heritage Act
1995 a person must not remove or demolish, damage or despoil, develop or alter or excavate, relocate or
disturb the position of any part of a registered place or object without approval. It is acknowledged,
however, that alterations and other works may be required to keep places and objects in good repair and
adapt them for use into the future.
If a person wishes to undertake works or activities in relation to a registered place or registered object, they
must apply to the Executive Director, Heritage Victoria for a permit. The purpose of a permit is to enable
appropriate change to a place and to effectively manage adverse impacts on the cultural heritage
significance of a place as a consequence of change. If an owner is uncertain whether a heritage permit is
required, it is recommended that Heritage Victoria be contacted.
Permits are required for anything which alters the place or object, unless a permit exemption is granted.
Permit exemptions usually cover routine maintenance and upkeep issues faced by owners as well as minor
works or works to the elements of the place or object that are not significant. They may include appropriate
works that are specified in a conservation management plan. Permit exemptions can be granted at the time
of registration (under s.42 of the Heritage Act) or after registration (under s.66 of the Heritage Act).
It should be noted that the addition of new buildings to the registered place, as well as alterations to the
interior and exterior of existing buildings requires a permit, unless a specific permit exemption is granted.
Cultural heritage management plans
It is recommended that a Conservation Management Plan is developed to manage the place in a manner
which respects its cultural heritage significance.
Cultural heritage significance
The cultural heritage significance of the Former ES&A Bank, Swanston Street lies in its notable design and
high architectural integrity as an example of 1920s giant austere classicism as applied to a commercial
building in Victoria.
PROPOSED PERMIT EXEMPTIONS (UNDER SECTION 42 OF THE
HERITAGE ACT)
DRAFT ONLY – NOT YET APPROVED BY THE HERITAGE COUNCIL – RECOMMENDED UNDER SECTION 33 OF
THE HERITAGE ACT
It should be noted that Permit Exemptions can be granted at the time of registration (under s.42(4) of the
Heritage Act). Permit Exemptions can also be applied for and granted after registration (under s.66 of the
Heritage Act)
5
Name: Former ES&A Bank, Melbourne
VHR number: H0390
Hermes number: 819
General Condition 1
All exempted alterations are to be planned and carried out in a manner which prevents damage to the fabric
of the registered place or object.
General Condition 2
Should it become apparent during further inspection or the carrying out of works that original or previously
hidden or inaccessible details of the place or object are revealed which relate to the significance of the place
or object, then the exemption covering such works shall cease and Heritage Victoria shall be notified as soon
as possible.
General Condition 3
All works should be informed by Conservation Management Plans prepared for the place. The Executive
Director is not bound by any Conservation Management Plan, and permits still must be obtained for works
suggested in any Conservation Management Plan.
General Condition 4
Nothing in this determination prevents the Heritage Council from amending or rescinding all or any of the
permit exemptions.
General Condition 5
Nothing in this determination exempts owners or their agents from the responsibility to seek relevant
planning or building permits from the relevant responsible authority, where applicable.
SPECIFIC PERMIT EXEMPTIONS
Exterior:

Minor repair and maintenance of all non-original fabric.

Minor repair and maintenance of all original fabric which uses or replaces like for like.

Removal of non-original items such as air conditioners, pipe work, ducting, wiring, antennae, aerials
etc, and making good in a manner not detrimental to the cultural heritage significance of the place.

Installation and repairing of damp proofing by either injection method or grout pocket method in a
manner not detrimental to the cultural heritage significance of the place.

Installation or removal of external fixtures and fittings such as hot water services and taps in a
manner not detrimental to the cultural heritage significance of the place.
Interior:

Minor repair and maintenance of all non-original fabric.

Minor repair and maintenance of all original fabric which uses or replaces like for like.

Painting of previously painted walls and ceilings provided that preparation or painting does not
remove evidence of any original paint, wallpaper or other decorative scheme.
6
Name: Former ES&A Bank, Melbourne
VHR number: H0390
Hermes number: 819

Installation, removal or replacement of non-original carpets and/or flexible floor coverings.

Installation, removal or replacement of non-original curtain tracks, rods and blinds.

Removal or replacement of hooks, nails and other devices for the hanging of mirrors, paintings and
other wall mounted art.

Removal of non-original door and window furniture including, hinges, locks, knobsets and sash lifts.

Removal of non-original light fittings and fans.

Refurbishment of existing bathrooms, toilets and kitchens including removal, installation or
replacement of sanitary fixtures and associated piping, mirrors, wall and floor coverings.

Removal of tiling or concrete slabs in wet areas provided there is no damage to or alteration of
original structure or fabric.

Installation, removal or replacement of ducted, hydronic or concealed radiant type heating provided
that the installation does not damage existing skirtings, architraves and decorative plasterwork and
that the central plant is concealed.

Installation, removal or replacement of electrical wiring provided that all new wiring is fully
concealed and any original associated hardware is retained in situ.

Removal of all non-original partition walls, false ceilings and built-in cupboards provided there is no
damage or alteration of original structure or fabric.
RELEVANT INFORMATION
LOCAL GOVERNMENT AUTHORITY
Melbourne
HERITAGE LISTING INFORMATION

Heritage Overlay:
Yes HO749

Other listing:
Yes, National Trust of Australia (Victoria) State Level classification
7
Name: Former ES&A Bank, Melbourne
VHR number: H0390
Hermes number: 819
HISTORY
History of the ES&A Bank
The English, Scottish and Australian Bank Limited was founded in 1852 by Royal Charter in London, and was
known as the English, Scottish and Australian Chartered Bank. In 1893 the bank was renamed the English,
Scottish and Australian Bank (ES&A). In 1921 the bank took over the Commercial Bank of Tasmania Limited
and the London Bank of Australia Limited, and in 1927 the Royal Bank of Australia Limited. In 1970 the bank
merged with the Australia and New Zealand Bank to form the Australia and New Zealand Banking Group
Limited (ANZ Bank).
History of the Site and Building
The London Bank of Australia occupied the corner portion of this site in 1910, shown as 223-225 Swanston
Street on the Mahlstedt Map of this date. In 1922 the London Bank of Australia merged with the ES&A Bank
and in 1927 drawings were prepared by Henry Hare & Hare for the design of a new ES&A Bank on this, and
the adjoining allotment to the south, at 219-225 Swanston Street. The new building was constructed by
Clement Langford and was completed by July 1929 when it was illustrated in an advertisement in the RVIA
Journal.
A sketch of the front elevation of the building by Henry Hare & Hare in 1927 indicates a proposed addition of
five storeys to the building and correspondence seeking approval for the building that year stated that:
Provision should be made for our steadily growing requirements – a good up-to-date banking
chamber well and naturally lighted with two storeys above built in concrete, the front elevation
faced in granite and the foundation capable of carrying another three storeys if and when extension
becomes necessary in the future.
These proposed floors were not added to the building after the initial construction.
In 1970 the ES&A Bank became the ANZ Bank and this branch was sold to the NSW Building Society c1976. It
later housed a branch of the Hong Kong and Shanghai Banking Corporation (HSBC) and was converted for
retail use in the early 2000s.
Interwar Bank Design
A number of banks were constructed in Victoria in the 1920s in a classically derived style, imparting an
appropriate character of solidity and grandeur to these commercial buildings. A distinctive appearance was
derived from a giant superimposed system of pilasters or half columns across the façade and Greek derived
motifs were commonly employed, as evident at the Former ES&A Bank.
The Architects
Henry Hare and Hare were the architects of the Former ES&A Bank. Henry Hare was an engineer for Johns
and Waygood before entering into partnership with C H Ballantyne in 1919, following the death of
Ballantyne’s partner, Percy Oakden, in 1917. This partnership appears to have continued until 1925 and the
partnership of Henry Hare and Hare was then formed. Few buildings are recorded as being designed by this
firm of architects, however their work includes the ES&A Bank, Swanston Street; Rycroft Hall, South Yarra
(by 1929); a distillery, Corio (by 1929) and Dominion House, 57 Flinders Lane (by 1931). The latter is an
8
Name: Former ES&A Bank, Melbourne
VHR number: H0390
Hermes number: 819
example of a very simple stripped classical building with alternating pilaster strips (originally of red brick but
now painted) and vertical rows of multi-paned windows.
CONSTRUCTION DETAILS
Architect name: Henry Hare & Hare
Architectural style name: Interwar Period Academic Classical (Giant Austere Classicism)
Builder name: Clements Langford
Construction started date: 1925
Construction ended date: by 1929
VICTORIAN HISTORICAL THEMES
05
Building Victoria’s industries and workforce
5.5
Banking and finance
PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION
The Former ES&A Bank, Swanston Street is a reinforced concrete corner building with basement, double
height central space with mezzanine, two levels of office space and rooftop residence. The main facades to
Swanston and Little Bourke Streets are clad with freestone up to the main cornice and the top floor is
finished in cement render. The base of the building is of grey granite. The main Swanston Street façade
contains a flight of stairs that lead to the elevated main floor of a large double height space, originally the
banking chamber. This space has an elaborate coffered ceiling and square supporting Ionic columns and wall
pilasters. A mezzanine floor, which is located to the side and rear of the double height space, may have been
part of the original design but, if so, it has been substantially altered with later access stairs constructed
within the central space.
There are two levels of office space above and a former caretaker’s flat on the roof which is set back from
the top parapets. A staircase at the north-west corner of the building provides access to the upper levels of
the building and a staircase at the south east corner provides access to the basement and the first floor.
Both staircases have elaborate wrought iron balustrades and the north west staircase has a tiled dado up to
the first floor. The entrance lobby to the rear staircase has been modified.
The building is designed in a giant austere classical style, with a pair of giant engaged, fluted Ionic columns
flanking the Swanston Street entrance, four giant Ionic pilasters lining the north façade and rusticated piers
defining the corners of the building. These support an entablature and dentilled cornice on the two main
facades. Between the columns and piers are bronzed metal multi-pane windows and panelled spandrels.
Above the main entablature is a high attic storey with cross-paned windows, Greek key frieze to the Little
Bourke Street façade (frieze detail has been removed from the Swanston Street façade), moulded shield
motifs and a slightly pointed pediment at the top of the Swanston Street façade parapet. In Swanston Street
the main entrance doors and surround are clad in copper and a secondary door is bronzed. The night safe
and patterned glass window panes remain at street level in Little Bourke Street.
9
Name: Former ES&A Bank, Melbourne
VHR number: H0390
Hermes number: 819
OBJECTS AND INTERIORS
The following interior elements have been retained: banking chamber ceiling, supporting square columns,
wall pilasters and decorative panels, front and rear staircases and stair balustrading and tiled dado of the
rear staircase. Other features include the entrance and secondary doors, night safe and patterned glass
window panes.
These interior elements are important details that contribute to the significance of the place.
LANDSCAPES, TREES & GARDENS
There are no landscape elements that contribute to the significance of the place.
ARCHAEOLOGY
N/A
INTEGRITY/INTACTNESS
The exterior fabric of the Former ES&A Bank retains a high level of intactness. The place was used as a
banking chamber for about seventy years until c2000 and the heritage values are still evident in the external
and internal fabric. The place can be readily identified as a bank. Minor alterations have been made to the
exterior of the building, including changes to signage (original signage read ‘The English Scottish and
Australian Bank Ltd’ below the cornice on both facades), removal of a Greek key frieze to the top of the
Swanston Street façade and changes to the entry lobby at the rear of the building in Little Bourke Street.
The rooftop flat has been retained and is in use as a residence. No major structural alterations appear to
have been made to this or the upper office floors.
The main banking chamber has been used for retail purposes for a number of years however the original use
is discernible through the retention of the double height banking chamber. Banking counters have been
removed and a mezzanine level, part of which may be original, has been altered. The mezzanine balustrade
has been replaced and a flight of stairs inserted from the main central space.
[June 2015]
CONDITION
The place is generally in good condition externally and internally. This includes external façade materials and
detailing, including stonework, render, windows and metal doors, and internal materials and detailing,
including plasterwork, wrought iron stair balustrading and dado tiling. [June 2015]
COMPARISONS
The Swanston Street façade of the Former ES&A Bank is already included in the Victorian Heritage Register
(VHR) and therefore comparison in relation to the exterior of the building is not necessary. However
comparison can be made with the interior of other former banking chambers included in the VHR.
10
Name: Former ES&A Bank, Melbourne
VHR number: H0390
Hermes number: 819
Former National Bank of Australasia Headquarters, Collins Street (VHR H2064)
The Former National Bank of Australasia Headquarters, 271 Collins Street, Melbourne (VHR H2064), was
constructed in 1924-25 to designs by architects A & K Henderson, just prior to construction of the Former
ES&A Bank, Swanston Street. The Former National Bank, Collins Street contains a highly intact and
impressive banking chamber with elaborate coffered ceiling, supported on giant order square columns, a
large central skylight and mezzanine gallery. A number of alterations have been made to the banking
chamber, including the addition of a grand divided marble staircase in the 1930s (since removed) and later
work to convert the space into a retail facility. The former banking chamber remains an impressive space
which is illustrative of its former use.
Banking chamber interior at the Former National Bank of Australasia Headquarters, 271 Collins Street,
Melbourne 2003 (stairs have since been removed and retail spaces inserted into the space)
Nineteenth Century Banking Chambers
Nineteenth century banks which retain impressive and intact banking chambers and are included in the VHR
include:

ANZ Bank, 2 Malop Street, Geelong (VHR H0191, 1859-60)

ANZ Bank, 376-390 Collins Street (VHR H0034, 1883-87)

Former Colonial Bank, Bendigo (VHR H1020, 1887)

Commercial Bank of Australia, 327-343 Collins Street (VHR H0035, 1891-93).
These form an illustrative group of intact banking chambers from the nineteenth century.
Comparison to Nominated Place
The banking chambers at the Former National Bank of Australasia Headquarters, Collins Street and the
Former ES&A Bank, Swanston Street are intact examples from the 1920s. The Former National Bank banking
chamber is a large and impressive space, which was contained within a large banking headquarters building
in Collins Street. The Former ES&A Bank banking chamber remains largely intact as a smaller, but impressive,
example of a city branch banking chamber. Both are illustrative of their former use.
KEY REFERENCES USED TO PREPARE ASSESSMENT
Rohan Storey. ‘Report for Victorian Heritage Register, Former English Scottish & Australian Bank, Swanston
Street Branch’, 2015
B Trethowan, ‘A Study of Banks in Victoria. 1851-1939’, 1976
11
Name: Former ES&A Bank, Melbourne
VHR number: H0390
Hermes number: 819
ANZ Bank Archives, correspondence, sketch of facade and photographs
Royal Victorian Institute of Architects Journal, July 1929
Mahlstedt Map, 1910 & 1925 [SLV]
12
Name: Former ES&A Bank, Melbourne
VHR number: H0390
Hermes number: 819
ADDITIONAL IMAGES
Main entrance and side entrance, Swanston Street
Detail of Swanston Street façade above entrance
13
Name: Former ES&A Bank, Melbourne
VHR number: H0390
Hermes number: 819
Former banking chamber from east
Detail of former banking chamber ceiling and mezzanine to north side
14
Name: Former ES&A Bank, Melbourne
VHR number: H0390
Hermes number: 819
Detail of former banking chamber ceiling
Detail of former banking chamber entrance surround
15
Name: Former ES&A Bank, Melbourne
VHR number: H0390
Hermes number: 819
Detail of stair well at south east corner of the building
Detail of stair well at north west corner of the building
16
Name: Former ES&A Bank, Melbourne
VHR number: H0390
Hermes number: 819
Interior of upper floor showing windows to Little Bourke Street
View of Swanston Street side of the rooftop residence
17
Name: Former ES&A Bank, Melbourne
VHR number: H0390
Hermes number: 819
Detail of City of Melbourne Plan, Mahlstedt, 1910
Detail of City of Melbourne Plan, Mahlstedt, 1925
18
Name: Former ES&A Bank, Melbourne
VHR number: H0390
Hermes number: 819
Design Sketch of ES&A Bank 1927 by architects Henry Hare & Hare, showing possible future plans for
extension of the building
19
Name: Former ES&A Bank, Melbourne
VHR number: H0390
Hermes number: 819
Photograph of former ES&A Bank on completion, RVIA Journal, July 1929, p xi
Photograph of former ES&A Bank, 1940s/50s [ANZ Bank Archives]
20
Name: Former ES&A Bank, Melbourne
VHR number: H0390
Hermes number: 819
ATTACHMENT 1
EXISTING REGISTRATION DETAILS
TO BE SUPERSEDED BY THE FOREGOING RECOMMENDATION
EXISTING EXTENT OF REGISTRATION
No. 390. The Swanston Street Facade of the Former ES&A and ANZ Bank, 225 Swanston Street, Melbourne.
[Victorian Government Gazette No.89 October 20, 1976 p.3073]
EXISTING STATEMENT OF CULTURAL HERITAGE SIGNIFICANCE
What is significant?
The Former ANZ Bank at 219-225 Swanston Street was built for the English, Scottish and Australian (ES&A)
Bank in 1928 by Clement Langford to a design by Henry Hare. The three storey structure with mezzanine is
faced with freestone and contains a large central space, originally the banking chamber. The dominant
feature is the ionic pilasters on the Swanston Street and Little Bourke Street facades. The building may have
been designed in two parts: a ground and first floor capped by a very strong cornice, and an additional floor
added later on, featuring common revival stylistic features, such as the diagonal mullioned windows.
How is it significant?
The Former ANZ Bank at 219-225 Swanston Street is of architectural significance to the State of Victoria.
Why is it significant?
21
Name: Former ES&A Bank, Melbourne
VHR number: H0390
Hermes number: 819
The Former ANZ Bank at 219-225 Swanston Street is of architectural significance as a notable example of the
popular 1920s Greek neo-Classical revival. The Greek Revival style was favoured by the ES&A Bank and a
number of its branches were built in this style in the 1920s. This appears to be the most intact and best
example of the style in its relatively unabstracted form. The style emphasises solidity in its classical
references, a characteristic no doubt valued by a bank.
EXISTING PERMIT POLICY
There is no existing permit policy
EXISTING PERMIT EXEMPTIONS
There are no existing permit exemptions
22
Name: Former ES&A Bank, Melbourne
VHR number: H0390
Hermes number: 819