The Past Shapes the Future of Place

At the intersection of Collins and Spencer, stands a building of quiet power and distinction. An enduring example of architectural ambition, known for its Renaissance Palazzo designs and Greek Revival style influences. For more than a century, these design details have held their ground, establishing a defining site of architectural significance in Melbourne. 

As the former State Savings Bank of Victoria, this corner building emerged from a pivotal moment in the state’s financial evolution. Established in 1896, the State Savings Bank served a growing population eager to save, invest, and grow their wealth. Offering a safe place for individuals to watch their funds grow, the bank helped families purchase homes of their own – becoming part of everyday life and the long-term dreams of community members. Following Melbourne’s transformation after the post-Gold Rush years, the bank’s commission of the site became a strategic and symbolic representation of economic independence for the city and its residents.

Throughout this period, Collins Street transformed into the beating heart of cultural Melbourne, a place where artists, retailers and the city’s most influential personas collided. Venues such as the Assembly Hall and Block Arcade bolstered the city’s civic identity, while renowned creatives owned studios just doors away. Here nightly salons and soirées blended cultural vibrancy and economic influence. By the 1950s, Collins Street had become well-loved and admired by style-conscious locals and visitors alike thanks to the establishment of prestige and luxury retail offerings, nightly live theatre performances, and a burgeoning outdoor café scene. Echoing the essence of Europe, Collins Street had sealed its identity as both a place to see and be seen.