G’day James Sutton here and today I’m outside the heritage listed 65 Hill Street in Roseville to talk about the story behind this wonderful landmark property that I sold at auction 6 months ago.

In 1929 the Bank of New South Wales decided to open a branch in Roseville. The bank was later to be renamed “The Westpac Bank”. Initially, they ran the branch from a small rented property further down Hill Street but by 1936 the bank was looking for a permanent location.

At the time the land here at 65 Hill Street was leased by a local Doctor, Frank Brierly, who sited his medical practice here in a small cottage. The story goes that the bank orchestrated a deal with Dr Brierly whereby they would demolish Dr Brierly’s property and build their new branch on the land as well as a brand new surgery and residence for Dr Brierly. Architects SH Buchanan, Cowper and Morgan designed both buildings and local builder JG Pettigrew was given the job to build this local landmark.

The Sydney Morning Herald reported on this dramatic construction at the time, referring to “the front of the building, facing the station, will be of mottled red texture bricks with synthetic stone Doric columns. The roof will be covered with Marseilles mottled pattern tiles, blended to match the brickwork.”

Dr Brierly passed on his medical practice and lease to Dr Alexander Gray in 1941. It is believed the Westpac bank retained the premises until 1989, ensuingly it became a commercial property leased by various businesses including local accountants, Watkins, Coffey Martin, whose name was above the door, 8 months ago when i was appointed to sell the property.

A huge crowd turned up on the mid-October Auction day, the Roseville Scouts put on an excellent sausage sizzle and after a lively auction the hammer came down at $6.7 million. Many local people reminisced about the days of the property as the Westpac Bank during the sales campaign and in fact a local church and several restaurant owners showed interest in buying it.

The successful bidders were a local family who had loved the building over several decades and had their eyes set on converting it sympathetically into 2 fabulous apartments, one for their daughter and her assistance dog and one for themselves.

Now back to the present day and we have just taken on another stunning listing here in Roseville. 131 Roseville Avenue is the quintessential family home located in a peaceful cul-de-sac overlooking Roseville Golf Course. A lovely property set on 702 sqaure metres.

The story of 65 Hill Street i feel is really important to keep alive as it’s construction was synonymous with Roseville’s coming of age as it developed into the wonderful area it has become.

My name’s James Sutton, I’m the Principal at McGrath Wahroonga. If you’d like to discuss your property I’d be delighted to help you, you can reach me at 0422 704 370 or drop into my office at 17 Redleaf Avenue, Wahroonga. Bye for now.