Commercial Bank of Australia Building, Armidale, historic site in New South Wales, Australia
The building in Armidale is a brick structure from the late 1880s that originally served as a bank and telegraph office and now houses retail spaces. It features a symmetrical facade with large arched windows on the ground floor and Victorian-style elements such as decorative brackets and a slate roof.
The building was designed and constructed between 1882 and 1885 by the New South Wales Colonial Architect's office. It initially served as the Land Board Office and telegraph office, later shifting to other uses in the 1890s and serving different banks before being added to the heritage register in 1986.
The building takes its name from its original use as a bank and telegraph office, institutions that were central to the town's daily life and commerce. Today, visitors can see how the structure has adapted to serve local businesses while maintaining the character that connected it to Armidale's past.
The building is located on Beardy Street in Armidale and is easily accessible on foot as it sits in a central part of the commercial area. It now functions as retail space, so visitors can view the exterior at any time, though interior access depends on the current tenants.
The building was originally known as Comfort Lodge, a name reflecting its adaptation to different functions throughout its long history. This name change reveals how structures can transform their identity and purpose while preserving their original architectural character.
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