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LOCH POST OFFICE
Other Name- Location7 SMITH STREET, LOCH, SOUTH GIPPSLAND SHIRE LevelRec for HO area contributory |
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Statement of Significance
What is significant?
Loch Post Office at 7 Smith Street, Loch, built in 1913-14, is significant. The single storey red brick building with gabled roof that extends downwards to cover the entryway and entry porch with rendered architraves and a small moulded hood over the opening. On the facade near the entry are three double hung windows with multi-pane upper sashes, while the gable ends are covered in roughcast stucco.
- Rear section of gable extends towards Victoria Road at a flatter pitch
- Louvred vent at peak facing Victoria Street
- Rear verandah with simple square posts
- Two chimneys
Non-original alterations and additions, other than those specified above, are not significant.
How is it significant?
The former Loch Post Office is of local historic and aesthetic significance to the South Gippsland Shire.
Why is it significant?
Historically, this was the first Post Office in Loch. It was constructed by FW Morris on behalf of the new Commonwealth Government as part of the Commonwealth Post and Telegraph Act (1902). This Post Office was likely the first physical manifestation of the new Commonwealth system experienced by the Loch community and demonstrates the influence of Federation on the South Gippsland Shire and the community of Loch. Being one of only three towns in South Gippsland to have a Commonwealth establish Post Office demonstrates the significance of Loch as a commercial centre within the South Gippsland Shire during the Federation period. (Criterion A)
Aesthetically, the building demonstrates key Federation elements on a prominent corner site near other key buildings at the time, including the Union Bank diagonally across the road (see TO-VI-044), and close to the Public Hall and Mechanics Institute (see TO-SM-HA). Being in such a noteworthy location, the former Post Office significantly contributes to the historic streetscapes of Smith Street and Victoria Streets, and the aesthetic character of Loch overall. (Criterion E)
Aesthetically, the building demonstrates key Federation elements on a prominent corner site near other key buildings at the time, including the Union Bank diagonally across the road (see TO-VI-044), and close to the Public Hall and Mechanics Institute (see TO-SM-HA). Being in such a noteworthy location, the former Post Office significantly contributes to the historic streetscapes of Smith Street and Victoria Streets, and the aesthetic character of Loch overall. (Criterion E)
Group
Postal and Telecommunications
Category
Post Office