This two-storey reinforced concrete building is described in the New Plymouth District Council CBD Heritage Study as, "perhaps the most distinguished piece of architecture left of the work of the important local firm of architects Messenger, Griffiths and Taylor". It goes on to call it, "inventive in its form and use of materials, and is technically extremely proficient." The glazed terracotta cladding is said to be unique in New Plymouth. Plans held by Puke Ariki (ARC2011-087).
This building was constructed in 1930 when the bank was called the New Plymouth Savings Bank. The builders were Jones & Sandford and it was opened by the Governor General, Lord Bledisloe on 13 June 1930.
A high glazed canopy, erected as part of refurbishment of the building in 1983, has since been removed. Other smaller renovations were carried out in 1958, 1987 and 1989.
In October 2013 it was announced that the bank would close the branch as the building had been declared an earthquake risk. TSB managing director, Kevin Murphy, said at the time there were no plans to strengthen the building and reopen the branch. Following the decision there was some criticism from readers of the Taranaki Daily News.
In December 2020 a brewery, Three Sisters, opened in the old bank building.
Related items:
Town Section (Part) 665, Taranaki Land Deed Index I1 page 458, I5 page 292 and I13 page 598. (Archives New Zealand)
Taranaki DP296 Sheet 1 (1889), ICS Pre 300,000 Cadastral Plan Index (Imaged by LINZ)
Taranaki DP4377 Sheet 1 (1923), ICS Pre 300,000 Cadastral Plan Index (Imaged by LINZ)
Taranaki DP8407 Sheet 1 (1958), ICS Pre 300,000 Cadastral Plan Index (Imaged by LINZ)
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The information on this website is provided for general research and reference only. While we try to keep content accurate and current, we make no guarantees about its completeness or correctness. It should not be considered a replacement for a LIM or a Property Report. Some content is supplied by third parties. Puke Ariki has not verified this content and users should check its accuracy before relying on it.The inclusion of a building on the website does not imply heritage status. See SCHED1 in the NPDC District Plan for a list of buildings that have rules about what can happen to or around them (administered by NPDC). See the New Zealand Heritage List for a list of buildings that are celebrated for their heritage significance but are not subject to rules (administered by Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga). Should any corrections need to be made to the records or for more information please contact us.
