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Former Reserve Bank building
6 Bennett St, Darwin City
General
Significance
Description
History
Gallery
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Status
Permanent Declaration
Type
Place
Nominated
05/OCT/00
Nomination Accepted
07/DEC/00
Assessment Report Considered
03/APR/01
Referred Back
19/SEP/01
Signed By Minister
09/OCT/03
Gazetted
13/OCT/03
Publish Notice Of Declaration
18/OCT/03
LGA
Darwin Municipality
Statement Of Heritage Value
The Reserve Bank Building was constructed in 1966/67 and is a particularly fine example of the late twentieth century stripped classical architectural style. The generous curtilage upon which the building sits is an important part of the whole design and provides an appropriate setting for the building.
The building is a reminder of the role that the Reserve Bank of Australia played in the development of a centralised banking and monetary control system in Australia. This role was reinforced by establishing a physical presence in regional Australia through opening a branch of the Reserve Bank in each capital city.
The building is part of a group of buildings known as 'bankers' corner'; a group which includes the former Commercial Bank of Australia building, the Commonwealth Bank building, and the Westpac (former Bank of New South Wales) building.
In 1999-2000, at a time when the building was occupied by the United Nations, it became symbolic of Australia's role in the East Timor conflict.
Value
Historic
Description
The present building is a two-storey, flat roofed building characterised by the light and dark contrast of white quartz exposed aggregate and bronze anodised aluminium louvres. Concrete encased steel columns are crowned with a deep parapet to form a colonnade around the building and this together with the louvres provides protection from the sun.
The landscaped area upon which the building sits, including the circular fountain is an important part of the whole design and layout of the building.
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