The Retail Savvy Group, which also operates The Shaw Davey Slum, Father’s Office and the Asian Beer Caf, will transform the ground and mezzanine level of the historic Bank of Australasia site into a new event space.
Built in 1838, 394 Collin Street was home to The Bank of Australasia and is listed with the Australian Heritage Commission and the National Trust of Australia as a heritage site. The site, which played an integral part in Melbourne’s economy during the Gold Rush and the Great Depression, operated as a bank until 1974. In the 1990s and early 2000s is was Sebel of Melbourne, and now the upstairs area primarily hosts the Treasury of Collins accommodation facilities.
The Retail Savvy Group now plans to convert two levels into The Bank of Collins, which will host corporate gatherings, engagement parties and weddings. The site, due to open in mid-October 2015, will be able to cater for up to 700 people across both levels and will boast a 17 metre bronze bar top, 22 copper beer taps, three gold wine taps, a private dining room to cater for between 20 and 24 people, a private cocktail area and a champagne bar on the mezzanine level.