Armidale Post Office facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Armidale Post Office |
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Location | 158 Beardy Street, Armidale, Armidale Regional Council, New South Wales, Australia |
| Built | 1880 |
| Architect | NSW Colonial Architect's Office under:
|
| Architectural style(s) |
|
| Owner | Australia Post |
| Official name: Armidale Post Office | |
| Type | State heritage (built) |
| Designated | 17 December 1999 |
| Reference no. | 1312 |
| Type | Post office |
| Category | Postal and telecommunications |
| Builders | W. Seabrook and J. T. Brown |
| Official name: Armidale Post Office | |
| Type | Listed place (Historic) |
| Designated | 8 November 2011 |
| Reference no. | 105493 |
| Lua error in Module:Location_map at line 420: attempt to index field 'wikibase' (a nil value). | |
The Armidale Post Office is a special old building in Armidale, New South Wales, Australia. It is located at 158 Beardy Street. This building is important because it is "heritage-listed," which means it's protected for its historical and architectural value.
The post office was designed by famous architects from the NSW Colonial Architect's Office. These architects were James Barnet and later Walter Liberty Vernon. It was built in 1880 by W. Seabrook and J. T. Brown. Later, some parts were added in 1897. Today, Australia Post owns the building.
History of the Armidale Post Office
Armidale got its very first post office way back in 1843. The first official building just for the post office was built in 1865. This was on a different spot than the one you see today.
The current Armidale Post Office building was finished on 21 May 1880. It was built under the guidance of James Barnet. The building was used for both the post office and for the local manager's office. W. Seabrook and J. T. Brown were the builders.
Small changes and repairs were made in 1891 and 1894. A special covered walkway called a "loggia" was added in 1897. This loggia was designed by Walter Liberty Vernon in the Federation Queen Anne style. More parts were added to the loggia's first floor in 1917. The building also had other changes in 1929, 1938, and between 1979-80.
What the Armidale Post Office Looks Like
The Armidale Post Office stands on an important corner. It is a two-storey building made of brick. It has a balanced look, meaning both sides are similar. The roof is sloped on all sides, which is called a hipped roof.
A special feature is the single-storey arched "loggia" at the front. A loggia is like a covered porch or gallery with open arches. The sides of the building have decorative cement bands. Above the loggia, there's a corner section with wide brick-arched windows. It also has a unique Dutch gable and special lettering made of cast cement. This lettering is in the Federation Arts and Crafts style.
Even though the building has been changed many times, it still looks mostly like it did when it was first built. The main shape, called a "palazzo form," and the 1897 Queen Anne loggia are still clearly visible.
Why the Post Office is Heritage Listed
The Armidale Post Office is very important to the town's history. It is part of a significant area in the centre of Armidale, especially around the Beardy and Faulkner Streets intersection.
It is also linked to famous architects like James Barnet and Walter Liberty Vernon. Both of them helped shape how the building looks today. It is a beautiful public building on a key corner. The building is special because it mixes two styles: a Victorian Free Classical style with an attached stuccoed loggia.
Because it's such a noticeable building in a historic area, the Armidale Post Office helps give the community a sense of place. It was added to the New South Wales State Heritage Register on 17 December 1999.
Here are some reasons why it's considered so important:
- It shows how New South Wales history developed. The post office is part of Armidale's growth. It also shows the work of important colonial architects.
- It is a beautiful and well-designed building. It stands out as an excellent public building. It fits well with other historic buildings nearby, like the Court House. The mix of the Free Classical style and the loggia makes it unique.
- It is important to the community. As a well-known building in a historic area, the Armidale Post Office is special to the people of Armidale. It helps them feel connected to their town's past.
- It is a good example of its type. This post office is part of a group of NSW post offices that show the work of architects Barnet and Vernon.
