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Circa 1885, The Paterson Post Office is to be offered for public sale for the second time in 122 years, with the last sale being over 35 years ago when it was bought by the current owner from the Postmaster General's Department.
Located in a prominent location on the corner of King & Duke Street Paterson, the 1800m² (approx) block is zoned 2V (business) and offers you the possibility of future development along Duke Street.
Currently used as a residence by the current owner with a 3 x 3 year lease on the Post Office, offering you an income, residence and possible future development site all in one.
Inspections are by appointment, for further details contact:
Wayde Turner
Elders Real Estate,
5 Church Street Maitland
49346222 or 0429464816.
Historical Information:
First Mention: The first mention of erection of an official building at Paterson occurred on 28th March 1878, when Henry Fry made application through Dr Bowker M.P. At the time the existing premises were rented by the Telegraph Department from Mrs Wells for £40 per annum, but no other details were provided on these premises.
On 20th August 1881 Mr B Newbury offered to sell land and premises for use as a Post Office for £1200, and on 12 December the same year Mr J Brooker offered a site for £1000. On 20th December 1881 Mr James McCormick offered premises, and it was decided that the Postal Inspector should visit Paterson and inspect all sites and report on whether there was any suitable Government land available, or if premises might be purchased.
On 2nd March 1882 Mr McCormick's offer was declined and the Inspector reported on 12th March 1882 that he had inspected all allotments opposite the existing rented office. Postmaster General Brown approved this, and Mr H.H. Brown MP was duly informed.
On 4th September 1882 Mr Brown MP also asked if the Government would sell portion of the land resumed for a Post and Telegraph Office for a site for a School of Arts, but he was informed that the whole site was required.
Plans Supplied: On 22nd February 1883 by the Colonial Architect forwarded a plan for a new official building estimated to cost £2060, far in excess of the amount originally voted. The Superintendent of Telegraphs considered this plan too costly, and thought an amended plan should be prepared corresponding more closely with the sum voted. Postmaster General Wright agreed with Superintendent Cracknell's view and had the plans returned to the Public Works Department.
The Colonial Architect at this time was James Barnet, who was responsible for the design of the GPO Sydney, the Customs House, and many beautiful post offices, court houses, police stations and other government buildings throughout NSW. He also had junior architects on his staff and no doubt delegated many of the smaller jobs to them, so it is possible that the Paterson Post Office was designed by one of his staff under his supervision.
The original plans are not held by Australia Post.
Tender Accepted: On 31 August 1883 the Public Works Department advised that the tender of Alex McLaren had been accepted for the erection of a new office at a cost of £1650 with the building to be completed in 10 months. Shortly after this, the Governors assent was also received for the necessary resumption of the land for the new office.
Occupation: The new building was reported occupied on 4th May 1885, and the file does not state if any ceremony was conducted to mark this event. On 13th October 1885 the Postmaster requested that the verandah might be fenced in, and the Inspector agreed.
The Architect advised that the cost of a paling fence would be about £12 but he thought an iron railing at a cost of £22 would be better. Although funds were immediately available, this was approved by Postmaster General See on 17 November 1885.
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