National Bank - Claridge and Broderick

Several of Invercargill's grand and classical successes stand on the wide roundabout that signals the commercial centre of the town. One of these is the former National Bank, a 1929 build in neo-classical style, from reinforced concrete.

The architect responsible for all these three stories of grandeur was C J Brodrick who also designed the Bank of New South Wales, and Troopers Memorial here, and Alexandra Buildings and Grand Hotel two blocks to the north. He did have help on this design from Wellington firm Atkins and Mitchell.

For a long time after the exit of the banking tenants, this building was simply known as 'The Bank', but in 2017 the picture framing business which inhabits the space made a bold move to pay homage to the heritage of their premises and their business, by renaming it Claridge & Brodrick Artisan Picture Framing.

Visitors are welcomed to the building, to view the architectural columns, moulded ceilings, friezes and cornices with the owners planning an upstairs seating area. Anyone visiting and taking pictures is welcome to send them to us at NZPlaces.