171 - Historical Wellington Building

The old bank arcade situated on Lambton Quay is one of Wellington’s most treasured architectural sights. The land it is placed on was once the sight of Plimmer's Ark former Wellington government. The arcade was designed buy Thomas Turnbull and “A contract was let to T. Carmichael on 4 April 1899” building practices where then put in motion. The premises undertook a vigorous design process with many of Turnbull’s designs being deemed “too lavish”(Kernohan) as there was a push towards a more modest aesthetic. The arcade first opened on July 1^st 1901 and was used as the Bank of New Zealand’s head quarters. The Bank Arcade is an “imposing structure” and follows the combining styles of Edwardian Baroque and Late Neo-Classicism with individual aspects present on each of the three levels. Level one portrays a heavy rustic appeal with two floors overhead connected by visually appealing Corinthian columns also seen in neo-classical architecture such as the Parthenon. The second floor also has columned windows with decorative corbels from classic medieval architecture, emphasizing organic ornamentation. The Arcade has been described as "A handsome, lofty room, said to be one of the largest of its kind in the colonies" (Historic Org) Much like the ideals of neoclassicism The Bank Arcade was erected to represent and benefit the corporate image of New Zealand’s largest banking organization and to enforce the ideals of superiority. “This building has very great architectural and aesthetic value. It is a fine Edwardian commercial building designed by one of Wellington's most important architectural practices”.(Wellington City Council). The prominent wedge shaped sight is pivotal to Wellington City Business District and to many is an iconic piece of historical architecture.

References

Kernohan, D. (1994). "Wellington's Old Buildings", Wellington: Victoria University Press/

Bank of new zealand building . (2010, 11 02). Retrieved from http://www.historic.org.nz/TheRegister/RegisterSearch/RegisterResults.aspx?RID=212&m=advanced

Wellington City Council. (n.d.). Heritage - Bank of New Zealand Building No.1. Retrieved from http://www.wellington.govt.nz/services/heritage/details.php?id=144&m=search&building=Bank%20of%20New%20Zealand%20Building%20No.1

St George, D. (n.d.). Old bank sunshine. Photograph Retrieved from http://www.dstgeorge.com/2011_08_01_archive.html