Northampton Post Office

Statement of Significance

The post office has social and historic significance to Northampton and a degree of aesthetic
significance for what remains of the original P.O. and the variety the new facade (which is representative
of its period) adds to the streetscape. In this section of the main street the adjacent buildings are not
critical to the interpretation of Northampton's earlier developmental period, so the new facade does not
directly compete. The original fabric of the building is significant as an example of Hillson Beasley's
work and his prolific period of public architecture of which there are few other examples in Northampton.

Physical Description

The Northampton Post Office is located on the east side of the main street opposite the Nagle Centre and Catholic
Church. The original building was constructed in 1913 by the State Public Works under the guidance at the time of
the principal architect Hillson Beasley whose work contributed enormously to the State's architectural heritage
from that period. The style of the original building would have been along the lines of Federation Free Style or
similar which was a hallmark of Beasley's work. However, the original facade is now mostly obscured by the
addition in 1954 of a new brick Modernist front.
The building is brick, single storey with CGI roof. Whilst not readily apparent from the street, an elevated viewpoint
(from the first floor Nagle Centre verandah opposite) reveals the original form of the post office behind the new
1954 facade. The new facade has plain brick walls with parapet walls and a horizontal band of windows below a
rendered lintel.

History

The original post office was located 1/2 km south of the present building (Site No.105). As the population of the
town increased, there was a need for a larger, more centrally located building which was constructed in 1913 at a
cost of £1,599. Extensions were made to the front of the building in 1954. In 1976 a road train demolished part of
the front of the building causing $10,000 damage. Alterations to the 1954 extension were carried out in 1996.
Chronology Entries
1882 The Govenor, Sir William Robinson, visited Northampton in order to open the new telegraph line fro:r:
Northampton to Roebourne.
1885 The first telegraphic link from Perth to Carnarvon via Northampton was opened.
04/07/1911 The telephone exchanged opened with 10 subscribers.
1954 Extensions and alterations were carried out on the Post Office. This provided increased public space, a
new counter, a mail room and additional private boxes.
14/09/1976 The Post Office was severely damaged by a runaway road train.
15/06/1977 The manual telephone exchange was closed to be replaced by an automatic exchange.

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity: High
Modifications: New front added c1960's.
Orig'l Fabric: Mostly intact except for new front

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.