Heritage listing for North Fremantle Post Office

5/3/95

The North Fremantle Post Office has been permanently listed on the State Register of Heritage Places.

Heritage Minister Richard Lewis said listing recognised the historical importance of the building, which would now have the full protection of the Heritage of Western Australia Act.

The building, which was constructed in 1898, was originally a police station, complete with a lock-up and quarters for the officers, built to cater for the fast growing district of North Fremantle.

Mr Lewis said the post office was one of the few remaining buildings of the former North Fremantle townsite.

"It is vital this building is protected as its loss would seriously diminish the interpretation of the historical and architectural development of the area," he said.

It was not until 1969 that the two storey stone building was converted for use as a post office.

In 1991 the Labor Government proposed to close the post office and sell the building, however local residents mounted a campaign to save it.

The building stayed in public ownership and three living quarters attached to it were vested in Homeswest.

Later Australia Post decided to downgrade its service and the building was made available for lease.

Today a licensed post office still operates from within the building, which is occupied by a printing and design company.

Mr Lewis said the building had played an important role in the development of the local community.

"Placing the building on the Register will mean that it will be preserved for future generations," he said.

Media contact : Bronwyn Hillman 222 9595 / 221 1377