Woolloongabba Post Office facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Woolloongaba Post Office |
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former Woolloongabba Post Office, 2011
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| Location | 765 Stanley Street, Woolloongabba, City of Brisbane, Queensland, Australia |
| Design period | 1900 - 1914 (early 20th century) |
| Built | 1905 |
| Architect | Thomas Pye |
| Official name: Woolloongaba Post Office (former), Woolloongabba Post Office, Woolloongabba Post and Telegraph Office | |
| Type | state heritage (built) |
| Designated | 24 January 2003 |
| Reference no. | 600357 |
| Significant period | 1905 (fabric) |
| Significant components | post & telegraph office, residential accommodation - post master's house/quarters |
| Builders | Thomas Rees |
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The Woolloongaba Post Office is a historic building in Woolloongabba, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia. It used to be a post office. It is located at 765 Stanley Street.
The building was designed by Thomas Pye. It was built in 1905 by Thomas Rees. This important building is also known as the Woolloongabba Post & Telegraph Office. It was added to the Queensland Heritage Register on 24 January 2003. This means it is protected for its historical value.
Contents
Why Was the Post Office Built?
The Woolloongaba Post & Telegraph Office was built in 1905. It was for the Commonwealth Department of Home Affairs. The plans were made by the Queensland Government Architect's office.
Woolloongabba's Growth
This new building replaced an older post office. The first one opened in 1887 in a rented space. Woolloongabba's population grew a lot in the late 1800s. This was because the railway line reached Woolloongabba in 1884. Electric trams also came to the area in 1897.
By the early 1900s, Woolloongabba became a busy shopping area. It was one of Brisbane's main centres. Many shops filled the streets around the Woolloongabba Fiveways. This growth meant a bigger, better post office was needed.
Government Changes and New Buildings
Before 1901, the Queensland Government managed postal services. In 1901, Australia became a federation. This meant the new Commonwealth Government took over communications. They created the Postmaster-General's Department.
The Queensland Department of Public Works still helped design buildings. They designed post offices for the Commonwealth Government until about 1920.
Who Designed the Building?
Alfred Barton Brady was the Queensland Government Architect from 1892 to 1922. His Senior Assistant, Thomas Pye, oversaw many detailed designs. Pye later became the deputy government architect. He helped create many beautiful government buildings. These included post offices, customs houses, and court houses.
Choosing the Location
A new post office was planned in 1901. In 1902, the government bought the current site for £1,250. This spot was perfect. It was on a main street near the busy Fiveways. It was also close to the railway and tram lines.
Working plans for the building were finished in 1904. Thomas Pye supervised this work.
What Was Inside?
The design had two main parts. The ground floor was a large mail room for the public. The first floor was a home for the postmaster. This home had living rooms, four bedrooms, a kitchen, and a bathroom. It also had a front "piazza" or open porch. This was unusual for commercial buildings then. It helped with the warm climate.
Builder Thomas Rees won the contract in 1905. He built it for £2,174. The building was finished in November 1905. It was one of only five brick post offices built in Queensland between 1900 and 1910.
Changes Over Time
The ground floor of the building changed several times. This was to fit the post office's changing needs. The first floor stopped being a home in the 1950s. It was then used by staff and inspectors. In the 1960s, it became a mail room.
The building was updated in 1988. From 1989, the first floor was rented out. The building stopped being a post office in 1994. However, some offices are still used by Australia Post.
What Does the Building Look Like?
The former Woolloongaba Post Office is a two-storey building. It is made of brick with a smooth finish. It has a corrugated iron roof. The building is on the corner of Stanley and Hubert Streets. It is very decorative and stands out in the street.
Outside Appearance
The building's outside shows its two main uses. The ground floor was for the public post office. The first floor was a private home. The building has a main section with a hipped roof. There is also a tower over the entrance at the corner.
On the Stanley Street side, the first floor has a "piazza" or open porch. This was part of the postmaster's home. Towards Hubert Street, the building looks more like a house. It has a detailed awning and a chimney. The back of the building has a deep timber verandah. The side facing the service lane is plain. The roof has deep eaves with shaped ends.
Decorative Details
The two sides facing the streets have three main decorative parts. These include a stone base and smooth walls. The corner tower has large openings at the bottom. The windows above have decorative brackets and arched tops. The tower roof has a unique curved peak.
The Stanley Street side has paired windows. Above them is a large arch with the words "POST & TELEGRAPH OFFICE." This shows its original purpose. The loggia (open porch) above has brick supports and columns.
The Hubert Street side has decorative details around its openings. The main entrance to the former home has a timber-lined arch. It has a colourful glass fanlight above the door.
Inside the Building
You can reach the former home on the first floor by timber stairs. These stairs have turned balusters and large newel posts. On the first floor, most of the original walls are gone. But it still has timber-lined ceilings and a decorative ceiling vent. There are also two fireplaces. Some original metal details remain, like wall vents and door handles.
The ground floor has also changed a lot. New walls were added for offices. But it still has a central cast-iron column. This column has a plate that says "HARVEY Margaret St Brisbane."
Why is it Heritage Listed?
The former Woolloongaba Post Office was listed on the Queensland Heritage Register in 2003. This is because it meets several important criteria.
Showing Queensland's History
This building shows how Woolloongabba grew quickly. This growth happened when public transport expanded in Brisbane. The building shows the strong economy in Queensland around 1900.
A Rare Building
The former Woolloongaba Post Office is one of the few large brick post office buildings left from the early 1900s in Queensland. This makes it special.
A Great Example of Design
The building's design clearly shows its two roles: a public post office and a private home. It shows excellent design and building skills. It reflects the high quality of government buildings from that time. The piazza (open porch) on a commercial building was also unusual.
Beautiful Architecture
The former post office is a fine example of public architecture. It has a strong presence on Stanley Street. Its beauty adds to the area.
Important People and Work
The building shows the skill of the Queensland Department of Public Works. They designed many high-quality government buildings in the early 20th century.
