Former Bank of North Queensland, Heritage Impact Statement

Converge Heritage + Community was engaged to prepare a Heritage Impact Statement for proposed works to the former Bank of North Queensland at Cooktown in North Queensland. The building is listed on the Queensland Heritage Register for its rarity, the quality of its architectural design and its significant contribution to the historic streetscape of Charlotte Street in Cooktown. The substantial two-storied masonry building was constructed in 1890-91 at the height of the gold rush in Cooktown when the region was experiencing great prosperity. It included the banking chambers at the ground floor and a managers residence on the upper level. The building ceased operating as bank in the 1920s and has been used for various other commercial purposes over the decades.

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Proposed recent works by private owners included upgrades of the historic building to provide equitable access, along with other renovations to provide updated commercial tenancy spaces for the building. The Heritage Impact Statement was prepared to assess the potential heritage impacts of the proposed works and to provide guidance and recommendations to manage the significance of the place during works. Converge Heritage + Community assisted with the heritage approval from the Department of Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation.

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