Nos.20-34 Clarence Place (evens)

Nos. 20-34 Clarence Place comprise a group of shops, offices, and accommodation, built in the early 20th century as part of a larger commercial development. The building is an 8-bay, 4-storey range constructed of brick and ashlar. Nos. 20, 22, and 24 have entrances designed to appear domestic, while the remaining units feature shopfronts. The design is largely symmetrical and uniform across all units. Originally, the windows were plate glass sashes, some of which have since been replaced, and are set within moulded surrounds. Each unit has a 3-window range. The first floor windows are particularly elaborate, featuring heavy Gibbs surrounds and keystones; the central window is distinguished by an elaborate entablature with a deep keystone and broken pediment. The second floor windows have moulded aprons to the two outer windows. The egg and dart cornice extends from the adjacent range 10-18 Clarence Place, and the dividing pilasters are similar, though with slightly simpler Ionic capitals. On the top storey, the pilasters are adorned with decorative carved panels, leading to a plain cornice and a high parapet which obscures the roof. At ground floor level, the three rightmost units are set below a deep band and feature round-arched doorways with Gibbs surrounds, along with two windows that also have prominent keystones. The shopfronts have been remodelled, although remnants of the original design remain on the left-hand side in the form of 6-panelled doors and 6-pane overlights. The building is included for its integral part in the early 20th century commercial development, for its group value with Nos. 10-18 Clarence Place and the Technical Institute, and for its group value with the War Memorial.