Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2021C01223:front:0:p40
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2021C01223
Segment Type: other
Provision Reference: 
Character Range: 120537–125354

retained and conserved.  The RBA engages in-house specialists and, where appropriate, engages external consultants to provide advice and specialist conservation services.
The place has significant heritage value because of the place's special association with the life or works of a person, or group of persons, of importance in Australia's natural or cultural history.
                                                                                                                                                                                                        The Reserve Bank head office building is associated with successive governors of the Reserve Bank: Dr. H. C. Coombs; J.G. Phillips (KBE); H.M. Knight (KBE DSC); R.A. Johnston (AC); B.W. Fraser and I.J. Macfarlane. The building is also associated with personnel of the Commonwealth Department of Works, Banks and Special Projects branch, responsible for the building's design in particular: C. McGrowther; Professor H. I Ashworth; C.D. Osborne; R.M. Ure; F.C. Crocker; G. A. Rowe; as well as E.A. Watts (builders for both stages of construction) and Frederick Ward (furniture designer).                                                                                                                                                                                                            The Bank maintains an inventory of heritage furniture including all surviving furniture designed by Fred Ward, and guidelines for the treatment and storage of furniture.  Specialist advice is sought to ensure works to furniture are consistent with best-practice guidelines.

                                                                                                                                                                                                        Attributes
                                                                                                                                                                                                        The artworks of Bim and Margel Hinder, evidence of use by successive Governors of the Reserve Bank, and remaining Fred Ward furniture.

Criterion (i)                                                                                                                                                                                           Not listed for demonstrating Criterion (i).                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Not applicable.
The place has significant heritage value because of the place's importance as part of indigenous tradition.

5.4                Statement of Significance
The following Statement of Significance contained in the Australian Heritage Database is accepted as the official statement of significance for the Reserve Bank of Australia Head Office  and its site:

The Reserve Bank building (1964) designed by the Commonwealth Department of Works, Bank and Special Project Section, is highly significant in the development of post World War II multi storey office buildings in Australia. It is a significant example of a 1960s office building notable as being a well-designed example of the International style; its construction using high quality Australian materials; steel and concrete construction; and interior design details and artworks. The building's significance has been retained through a major extension (1974-1980), recladding (1993) and internal refitting (Criteria A.4, D.2 & F.1).

The Reserve Bank building is of historical significance in its ability to demonstrate the changing functions and role of the Reserve Bank of Australia, particularly that of the head office, since 1964.
The International style of the building represents the post war cultural shift within the banking industry, away from the traditional architectural emphasis on strength and stability towards a more contemporary and international style (Criterion A.4).

Through its prestigious design and function as Australia's central bank, the building makes an important contribution to the streetscape and character of Martin Place, Macquarie Street