Perth General Post Office

Statement of Significance

The most vital element in the Forrest Place Precinct and perhaps the best example of monumental civic architecture in Perth.
Perth GPO is of representative significance due to its Forrest Place location, which is a major civic space.
Aesthetically the GPO combines well with the Commonwealth Bank and the Railway Station which is important in establishing the identity of the City of Perth.
The place is significant as a rare example in Australia of large building in the Beaux-Arts style. This style is demonstrated well in both the exterior and interior of the building. The two-storey high postal hall with its large roof lights emphasise the sense of space in this public area.
The historical significance of Perth GPO is its association with architect J S Murdoch who, as a Commonwealth Architect was responsible for many important Commonwealth buildings throughout Australia. The Perth GPO with the Commonwealth Bank and Forrest Place constitute an historically important civic construction undertaken by the Commonwealth Government. The design reflecting a new sense of importance and civic pride in Perth at the time. Its use since 1923 as the State's principal postal facility is of considerable historical and continued social significance. The use of the GPO to accommodate other Commonwealth departments for part of its history is partly important because it led to the addition of the attic storey to the original design.

Physical Description

Building constructed by the Commonwealth Government. Design features classical details and monumental scale. The GPO is 7 storeys to Forrest Place plus a basement. It has a concrete encased steel frame faced with brick and stone. The colonnading of the east elevation is faced with Granite Mahogany Creek with Donnybrook Sandstone above that. Paired ionic columns rise through three upper storeys. Red brick walls trimmed with stone are set back above the cornice, between stone towers and from the side and back walls. The interior have large spans creating open spaces on each floor.

The central two-storey postal hall has large roof lights which emphasise the sense of space.

History

In 1835 a General Post Office was established with other offices in Fremantle, Albany and Guildford. In 1871 the colonial government took control of the telegraph lines between Perth and Fremantle and Guildford which had been put up privately. Further poles were put up during the 1890s Gold Boom and after 1901 the Commonwealth Government took over the control of telegraph lines across Australia.
The General Post Office was relocated to Forrest Place as a larger building was required than the offices located in the Central Government Offices on St Georges Terrace and Barrack Street. This was also part of an idea to locate Federal Government buildings together. Construction on the building started in 1914.Between 1916-1920 a steel embargo prevented construction. In 1921 a new contract was signed on 4th July to complete GPO, including another 2 floors previously omitted from contract.
The GPO was completed in 1923 and was used as the Head Post of Office of WA.

Integrity/Authenticity

Medium integrity.
Medium level of authenticity as it has been restored with some alterations from original detail.

Condition

Good

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

Publish place record online (inHerit):

Last Update

Disclaimer

This information is provided voluntarily as a public service. The information provided is made available in good faith and is derived from sources believed to be reliable and accurate. However, the information is provided solely on the basis that readers will be responsible for making their own assessment of the matters discussed herein and are advised to verify all relevant representations, statements and information.