[1] The former CBA Bank was built for the Land Board Office in the early 1880s, designed by the Colonial Architect, James Barnet.
Stylistically the Telegraph Office (former CBA building) loggia is in harmony and well integrated with its own facade design.
In 1986, the glazing to the portico arches was removed and the original openings were restored, with timber shop fronts being installed.
A decorative central parapet with scrolled edges rises above the portico, and the upper storey has four segmental-arch openings with double hung sash windows.
James Barnet built many regional New South Wales post offices and government buildings in the Italianate style.
The smaller building has a corrugated iron roof which features small ventilation gables at its apex and a tall brick chimney.
[1] The former CBA Bank (former Telegraph Office) is a significant element in one of the finest groups of civic buildings in New South Wales.
The building is prominently located in the Beardy Street pedestrian mall, in part of the Armidale Conservation Area as identified by the National Trust.
Together these buildings provide historic and aesthetic streetscape elements of importance to the people of Armidale (Heritage Office file).
The building has historic significance as an example of the work of James Barnet, Colonial Architect, and as a link in the telegraph communications network established by the state in the second half of the 19th century.
[1] CBA Bank was listed on the New South Wales State Heritage Register on 2 April 1999 having satisfied the following criteria.
[1] The place is important in demonstrating aesthetic characteristics and/or a high degree of creative or technical achievement in New South Wales.
Its pleasantly symmetrical façade shares aesthetic similarities to many of the adjoining buildings resulting in a particular streetscape harmony.
As a prominent civic building in a historic precinct, the former CBA Bank is considered to be significant to the Armidale community's sense of place.
[1] The place has potential to yield information that will contribute to an understanding of the cultural or natural history of New South Wales.