Bridgetown Post Office

Statement of Significance

The Bridgetown Post Office is significant for its aesthetic value as a Federation Free Style building in the central historic streetscape of Bridgetown; and its role in the development of Bridgetown and surrounding districts.Aesthetic Value
An attractive building which sits between the historic Bridgetown Civic & Community Centre and fmr Police Quarters.
Historic Value
It is highly significant in the development of Bridgetown and surrounding district for the provision of postal and other communication services.
Research Value
The Bridgetown Post Office is of some research value, relating to former and on-going changes in the role and function / processes of Australian postal services over many years.
Social Value
For many years, the Bridgetown Post Office provided the only form of long distance communication, thereby being highly valued socially.
It also contributes to the community’s sense of place as an integral part of the historic precinct of the town since the construction of the original Post and Telegraph Office in 1886.

Physical Description

The Bridgetown Post Office is a single-storey structure predominantly in the Federation Free Style, constructed in several campaigns. Each stage was constructed in English bond brickwork with rendered and painted sills, strings, arches, keystones, pediments and parapet copings. The main façade features two prominent arched entrances to the porch and three arched window features.
In 2017 the central portion of the southern external wall was replaced following a structural incident.
For additional details refer to the Register of Heritage Places Assessment Documentation.

History

The original Bridgetown Post and Telegraph Office (and residence) was adjoining the current building. Built in 1886 it was one of the first purpose built Post and Telegraph Offices in Western Australia and of the same design as the Gin Gin Post Office which remains in use currently. After strong requests to the government, the current building was constructed in 1912 as the service had outgrown the original building, which remained as the Postmaster’s house. There have been many renovations, alterations and additions to the Post Office, some within a few years of its construction.
The demolition of the original building (Postmaster’s House) w in 1980 (deemed beyond repair), allowed for the existing car park and loading bay. With the increase of digital communication and decrease of ‘paper mail’ Australia Post became focussed on retail in 1990 with the change to Australia Post Shop. Changes to Australia Post business policy at this time included selling and renting back Post Office buildings, therefore cutting maintenance costs, as is the case with the Bridgetown Post Office. For additional details refer to the Register of Heritage Places Assessment Documentation.

Integrity/Authenticity

High
Although privately owned, the building remains fully functional as a post office/Australia Post Shop.
Medium Integrity: Bridgetown Post Office has lost its associated quarters to the south and has been modified a number of times. The demand for more post boxes and the reorganisation for the current fit out have diminished the authenticity of the porches and interior respectively.

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.