The Bank is one of the finest examples of secular Gothic Revival in Australia and reflects the intimate relationship between the architect and his client, Sir George Verdon, who resided above the main chamber. Drawing on Viollet le Duc and Ruskin, and using commercial palazzo form, Wardell gave the chamber an honesty of structure. Its decoration is by Lyon Cottier & Wells of Glasgow.

Our work began with the preparation of a conservation management plan and extensive research and documentation, followed by the management of planning and heritage permit processes. Permission to construct an office building attached to the complex was granted on condition that the heritage buildings be restored. So began a project of discovery and the revelation of spectacular interiors.

Materials for the restoration were sourced from all over the world — sandstone from the original quarry outside Sydney, green slate from the original US source, marble from Europe. Light fitting designs found in the J. Hardman & Co. archive in Birmingham Museum were reconstructed from original drawings for the project. Hardmans were responsible for most of Pugin’s metal work.

RAIA (Victoria) Chapter Award 1994 : Award of Merit for Outstanding Architecture: Conservation category, with Peddle Thorp
RAIA Lachlan Macquarie Award for Conservation 1994 : in association with Peddle Thorp
Australian Council of National Trusts Award 1990 : Australian Heritage Award : Cultural Conservation + Interpretation category