George Street was the first road created in NSW and is thus the oldest road in Australia. In September, 1859, the board of the Bank of New South Wales elected to erect a new city branch at the south end of Sydney. In January 1860, the board purchased the site for £6,000.00 pounds. Bounded by Terminus Street, Regent Street and George Street.

The existing building was converted for use at a bank by the architect E.T. Blacket. Originally known as the Parramatta Street Branch, in 1874 it became the Southern Branch and 1948 the Railway Square Branch.

In February 1817, Govenor Lachland Macquarie signed a charter of incorporation establishing Australia’s very first financial institution. The Bank of New South Wales opened on the 8th of April, 1817 in Macquarie Place, Sydney where it traded until the 1850’s. Before moving the head office branch to 341 George Street.

Then in January 1860 a new branch was opened and was original known as Parramatta street Branch. The bank of New South Wales (Now Westpac) operated continuously for 140 years at the Railway Square Branch until 20th of April, 2000. That same year the building was purchased by a non profit organisation.

Prior to the establishment of the Gold Smelting and Assaying Department at the Railway Square Branch in April 1915, gold bullion was processed at the Bank’s Head Office. The transfer occurred because alterations made to the Railway Branch provided better facilities for the treatment of all grades of bullion, and due to its proximity to Central Station.

The Bullion Department at the Railway Square Branch attracted numerous customers because although charges and deductions were the same as the Mint, the Bank made payments much quicker. Gold smelting and assaying continued at the Railway Square Branch until 1960 with Garrett, Davidson and Matthey Pty. Ltd leasing the premises from the Bank.

In 1850, Sydney was fast expanding westward with the surrounding area developing as far as City Road. The terminus of the then “Redfern railway” had been established for a number of years – the first building at Sydney University completed in 1859 and the Glaciarium built opposite the Bank.

The Heritage Building was sold to a Non Profit Organisation that has made available for hire its rooms to the general public for Meetings, Conferences, Workshops, Concerts and Special Family Events. Being convenient and close to Central Station and buses, it is an ideal place to come to the city without the need for a car.