National Bank Te Aro Building (Former)

• 1917
• Building constructed (00053:190:10454)
• 1950
• Internal alterations – ground floor fit out (00056:384:B29616)
• 1975
• Internal alterations (00058:1003:C43832)
• 1996
• Conversion to restaurant (00078:30:24039)
• 2000
• New bar area (00078:722:61447)
• 2006
• Dwelling additions and alterations (00078:2231:152107)

• 1917 - 1996
• National Bank of New Zealand (Stones 1920, 1925, 1930, 1935, 1940, 1945, Wises 1950-51, 1955, 1961-62, 1967-68, 1971-72, 1975, 1980, 1985, 1990)
• c.1945 - 1955
• John Blyth tailor (Stones1945, Wises1950-51, 1955)
• 1996 - 2013
• Logan Brown

Not assessed

The former National Bank is the purest example of Classical design on Cuba Street. The facade is balanced and harmonious, and incorporates a skilled and restrained use of important motifs to achieve this effect. The rusticated base, is one element, the giant order of attached Corinthian columns is another. The columns support a simple entablature, with “The National Bank of New Zealand” moulded onto it. The nine-light window that sits between the columns on the first floor has been designed as an aedicule, with its own system of attached columns and pediment. The other windows on the facade are simple rectangles of the same size with some variation in the treatment of architraves and hoods. A clean, well conceived cornice and balustraded parapet cap the building.

The building was constructed with a reinforced concrete frame on concrete foundations and piles with a brick façade, parapet and partition walls. The base is faced with rusticated Malmesbury stone, and the main entrance is faced with Sandy Bay marble.

Sited on a prominent corner, the former National Bank building is an important element in the middle Cuba Street townscape.

• Architectural

  Does the item have architectural or artistic value for characteristics that may include its design, style, era, form, scale, materials, colour, texture, patina of age, quality of space, craftsmanship, smells, and sounds?

  The former National Bank at 192-194 Cuba Street is the purest example of Classical design on Cuba Street. The facade is balanced and harmonious, and incorporates a skilled and restrained use of important motifs to achieve this effect. The interior is notable for its surviving banking chamber and dome.

• Group

  Is the item part of a group of buildings, structures, or sites that taken together have coherence because of their age, history, style, scale, materials, or use?

  The building is one of a group of historic commercial buildings which make a positive contribution to the character of the Cuba Street Heritage Area.

• Townscape

  Does the item have townscape value for the part it plays in defining a space or street; providing visual interest; its role as a landmark; or the contribution it makes to the character and sense of place of Wellington?

  The design is a skilled Classical composition, which takes full advantage of both street frontages on this prominent corner site. The building has never had a verandah, giving it greater prominence in the streetscape. The building makes a significant contribution to the Cuba Street townscape.

• Association

  Is the item associated with an important person, group, or organisation?

  The historical value of the building derives from the fact that it was specifically designed as banking premises, and remained as such for almost 80 years.

• Archaeological

  Does the item have archaeological value for its ability to provide scientific information about past human activity?

  The building is located in the Central City archaeological site reference NZAA R27/270.

• Identity Sense Of Place Continuity

  Is the item a focus of community, regional, or national identity? Does the item contribute to sense of place or continuity?

  This building contributes to the sense of place and continuity of the Cuba Street Heritage Area.

• Authentic

  Does the item have authenticity or integrity because it retains significant fabric from the time of its construction or from later periods when important additions or modifications were carried out?

  Despite some modern modifications, the façade and interior of the building retains a high level of authenticity of design and fabric.

• Local Regional National International

  Is the item important for any of the above characteristics at a local, regional, national, or international level?

  This building is of local importance for its contribution to the Cuba Street Heritage Area.

• Representative

  Is the item a good example of the class it represents?

  The building is the finest example of a Classical building on Cuba Street.

Not assessed

• Kelly, Michael, and Russell Murray, Cuba Street Heritage Area Report (Wellington City Council: Unpublished report, prepared for Plan Change 48, 2006), 34.
• Wellington City Council, “192-194 Cuba Street,” Wellington Heritage Building Inventory 2001: Non-Residential Buildings. (Wellington City Council, 2001), CUBA 28.
• Wellington City Council, APPENDIX III, Wellington Heritage Building Inventory 2001: Non-Residential Buildings. (Wellington City Council, 2001).
• Wellington City Council, Cuba Street Heritage Area spreadsheet (block 5). (Wellington City Council: Unpublished report, prepared for Plan Change 48, 2006).
• “New City Bank,” Dominion, Volume 10, Issue 3006, 17 February 1917, Page 6

• Inventory Report
• 1916 plans
• 1949 plans

Not available