Australian Joint Stock Bank (former)

The Australian Joint Stock Bank built these premises in 1888. The building forms part of the Flinders Street streetscape of 1880s buildings, when Townsville was experiencing a boom underpinned by Charters Towers’ and Ravenswood gold. The bank acquired the land in 1881. Architect FDG Stanley designed the building and called for tenders in December 1886. Townsville contractors MacMahon and Cliffe were the successful tenderers. Elements of the design and construction were considered innovative at the time. The colonnaded front elevation was a new concept in Townsville architecture, accommodating the tropical climate. The ground floor entrance doors opened to a large vestibule, from which the manager’s room opened off to the right and a stationery room to the left, leading to the banking chamber. The first floor housed the manager’s residence. The building remained as banking premises for more than 40 years. From 1910 it operated as the Australian Bank of Commerce. This bank was incorporated into the Bank of New South Wales in 1931. The building was sold in 1938 to function as general offices. The large banking chamber with clerestory lights was perfect for conversion into a night club, which operated here from 1980 until 2014.