Townsville Post Office facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Townsville Post Office |
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The Brewery (formerly the Townsville Post Office) with the second clock tower, 2010
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| Location | 252-270 Flinders Street, Townsville CBD, City of Townsville, Queensland, Australia |
| Design period | 1870s - 1890s (late 19th century) |
| Built | 1886 |
| Architect | John James Clark |
| Architectural style(s) | Italianate |
| Official name: Townsville Post Office (former) | |
| Type | state heritage (built) |
| Designated | 30 May 2003 |
| Reference no. | 600911 |
| Significant period | 1886-1888 (fabric) 1880s-ongoing (historical, social) |
| Significant components | tower - clock |
| Builders | Dennis Kellcher |
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The Townsville Post Office is a special old building in Townsville, Queensland, Australia. It used to be a post office, but now it's a place called The Brewery. It was designed by John James Clark and built in 1886 by Dennis Kellcher. This building is important because of its history and unique design. It was added to the Queensland Heritage Register on May 30, 2003, which means it's protected for future generations.
Contents
A Look at the Building's History
The Townsville Post Office was built in different stages over time. First, a two-storey building for sending telegrams was built. This cost nearly £6,000. Later, in 1886, more parts were added for the post office. The ground floor became the post office, and the top floor was a home for the postmaster. This part cost over £8,000.
In 1888, Dennis Kellcher added even more to the building. A tall clock tower was built by Henry L Davis & Co. The clock's chimes, which are like bells, came all the way from England in 1889. They were set up by 1891.
Changes Over the Years
During World War II, after the bombing of Darwin in 1942, the clock tower was taken down. Its parts were stored away to keep them safe. Later, in 1963-64, a new, different tower was built by JE Allen & Co. of Townsville. This new tower cost £42,135. At the same time, the inside of the building was also updated to be more modern.
Because the Post Office was in such a noticeable spot, it often became a place for public meetings. People would gather around a speaker on a soap box to talk about important issues.
From Post Office to Brewery
In 2001, the building got a new life. It was turned into The Brewery, owned by the Townsville Brewing Company. Now, the company makes its own beer right there. It also has a restaurant and a bar where people can eat and relax.
What the Building Looks Like
The Post Office building is made of brick and covered in a smooth cement finish. It has a style called Renaissance, which means it looks like old European buildings. The front of the building is not perfectly even, which gives it a unique look.
On the ground floor, there's a covered walkway called a loggia. This provides shade along Flinders and Denham Streets. On the upper floor, there's a verandah, which is like a balcony, along the front and side. The roof is gently sloped and made of corrugated iron. It has four parts that stick out like gables. A tall, thin clock tower with a dome on top stands out at the corner of the building.
On the upper floor, French doors open onto the verandah. Other openings have windows that slide up and down. The inside of the building has been changed many times over the years. So, it doesn't look as original as the outside. However, the main structure of the building is still strong and in great shape.
The building stands in a very important spot at the eastern end of Flinders Mall. You can see it from across Ross Creek. It makes the western end of historic Flinders Street East look even better.
Why This Building is Important
The former Townsville Post Office was added to the Queensland Heritage Register on May 30, 2003. This means it meets certain important standards.
- It shows how Queensland's history has changed.
The Post Office is a very important building for its type and location. It's a great example of a government building from the colonial era. It was built for a specific purpose and shows the Renaissance style. For over 100 years, it has been a well-known landmark in the town.
- It shows the main features of important cultural places.
The Post Office is a very important building for its type and location. It's a great example of a government building from the colonial era. It was built for a specific purpose and shows the Renaissance style.
- It is beautiful and important for its looks.
For over 100 years, it has been a well-known landmark in the town. Its design adds a lot to the beauty of the street.
