Heritage Places
Heritage Place Details
| LOCATION |
| Map |
Show Map
|
| Address |
59 King William Street ADELAIDE |
| Locality |
|
| Accuracy |
H - high level confidence |
| Development Plan |
ADELAIDE Council |
| Polygon Type |
B - Building footprint |
| DESCRIPTION |
| Details (Known As) |
Edmund Wright House (former Bank of South Australia Head Office, later Union Bank, then ANZ Bank) |
| Registered Name |
Edmund Wright House |
| Significance |
Edmund Wright House, built in 1878 for the Bank of South Australia, is historically significant for its association with the development of financial institutions in South Australia, and in particular the Bank of South Australia, one of the earliest banks in the State, which was initially connected with the South Australian Company. The building was in continuous use by three of the major banks in Australia for over 90 years and is one of the few significant architectural statements of 1870s commercial architecture remaining in King William Street.
The building represents the combined work of two significant architects - South Australian Edmund Wright and Victorian Lloyd Tayler - and is of exceptional architectural merit as an example of Victorian era Classical architecture with Renaissance influences. Victorian aesthetic principles of commercial architecture are also illustrated in the design of this building and its position highlights the focus of the commercial district of Adelaide in the nineteenth century.
It also features quality craftsmanship and the use of both imported and local materials, epitomising the wealth and status of banking institutions in South Australia during the boom time of the 1870s.
The building is also significant for being a catalyst for public debate and concern for the built heritage of South Australia when it was scheduled for demolition by Mainline Corporation in 1971. A prolonged public campaign culminated in its purchase by the State Government in November of that year. (Derived from Danvers Architects 'Edmund Wright House Conservation Study' 1991) |
| Subject Index |
Finance - Bank; Government - Office Building |
| Class |
State |
|
|
| STATUS |
| Status Code |
REG - Confirmed as a State Heritage Place in the SA Heritage Register |
| Status Date |
24-JUL-1980 |
| REFERENCE |
| LGA |
Adelaide |
| State Heritage ID |
10858 |
| Heritage Number |
1616 |
|
|
|
| SECTION 16 INFORMATION |
| Section 16 |
|
| PLAN PARCEL & TITLE |
| As listed in the SA Heritage Register |
| Plan Parcel & Title Information |
CT 5841/606 F181442 A600 |
Disclaimer
While due care has been taken to ensure that the SA Heritage Places Database accurately reflects the South Australian Heritage Register and listings of Local Heritage Places in Development Plans, the State of South Australia does not accept liability for the use of the SA Heritage Database for any purpose. Users should consult the Department for Environment and Water - Heritage South Australia to confirm the listing of State Heritage Places and the relevant Development Plan for Local Heritage Places/Contributory Items.
In the majority of cases, the maps of State Heritage Places on this web site show the footprints of the most significant structures on a registered Place. However, sometimes they simply indicate the complete area of land comprising the Place. Work is proceeding to further refine the mapping of such places. It is also important to note that development control is not limited to the registered structures but extends to their setting and structures nearby (what is termed ‘development affecting’ a State Heritage Place). Hence it is vital that exact details of the listed place and implications for any proposed development be discussed with Heritage South Australia staff, as they cannot be deduced solely from the information on this web site. The inclusion of a place in the SA Heritage Register gives no right of public access. Permission to visit properties must be sought from the owners. The accuracy of the mapping of State Heritage Places is not guaranteed. Please contact Heritage SA ( https://www.environment.sa.gov.au/topics/heritage/sa-heritage-register) if you believe there is an error.
GIS files
To access downloadable GIS files, go to Data.SA.