Back to search results » Back to search page »

CASTLEMAINE POST OFFICE

Location

202 BARKER STREET CASTLEMAINE, MOUNT ALEXANDER SHIRE

File Number

607878

Level

Registered

[1/3]
CASTLEMAINE POST OFFICE SOHE
[2/3]
1 castlemaine post office
[3/3]
castlemaine post office plan

Statement of Significance

The Castlemaine Post Office was built in 1874-5 replacing an earlier post office constructed in 1857, both designed by the Public Works Department. The present post office was designed by Public Works architect John James Clark in a style much influence by Renaissance classicism and a popular choice for public buildings, particularly those designed by the Works Department during the years William Wilkinson Wardell was the principal architect. The two-storeyed rendered brick building features a prominent clock tower and like many classically inspired buildings of the sixteenth century, has a rusticated ground floor level and semicircular arched openings throughout. When constructed the building was used as the post and telegraph office, water-supply office and survey office, as well as providing a residence for the post office manager. The building retains its function as the principal post office for Castlemaine and is substantially intact.

The Castlemaine Post Office is of historical and architectural importance to the State of Victoria.

The building has historical importance as it demonstrates the rapid growth of a principal gold mining centre during the 1870s, with the establishment of permanent infrastructure reflecting expectations for permanent settlement of the gold mining towns.

The post office is of architectural importance as an intact and good example of a substantial public building constructed to a design of JJ Clark of the Public Works Department, and in a style of popular nineteenth century public architecture derived from sixteenth century Renaissance classicism. The building is a well composed and prominently sited public place, demonstrating the importance of communications in nineteenth century Victoria.

Group