Oscar Jorgensen designed this steel-framed brick and concrete building in July 1929 for Frederick Bryant. Built by Trevor Bros. Ltd. at a cost of £11,100, it replaced one of the city’s oldest buildings. Its frontages overlooked both The Square and Church Street. There were three shops on the ground floor and the upper floors each contained three sets of flats.
Mr Oates’ musical warehouse opened in December 1929. Rees Furnishing Co. Ltd arrived in the 1950s. In June 1957, L.G. West, Son & Callander designed substantial alterations. The three shops became one and the first floor was converted for retail purposes. Businesses that utilised the building included Rees Furnishing, Maple Furnishing Co., and Smith & Brown and McDonalds Restaurant. Following McDonalds departure various new businesses have arrived. The building also underwent major earthquake strengthening in 2013.
