The Old Post Office

This was once Newcastle's Post Office.  It is now derelict and until just recently had some aboriginal squatters living there.  If you look closely you can see some items still there (bottom right corner).  The building was completed in 1903 and designed by the Government Architect Walter Liberty Vernon.  It is a two storey Federation Classical building made of ashlar block sandstone.  There is a domed copper roof with cupolas at either corner of the front facade.  I really think it is the most beautiful building, unfortunately, going to rot.  

In Newcastle there are a lot of very strong minded people with opposing views that like nothing better than to tie things up in legal battles.  This stifles development because of the conflict and where no sensible middle ground can ever be met.  An example is of a bowling club and green near King Edward Park which was demolished and the land lies vacant because of a dispute over what was going to go there.  Fabulous coastal views but the proposed development of what seemed a great improvement to me was rejected after a lengthy court battle between the Council and a local action group.  The same case in point with the Post Office.  When the Post Office moved to different premises an Aboriginal land claim was successful over the site and now the Aboriginal Community own the building.  It has been vacant now for around 15 years or so and while there has been talk of selling it and it being developed into a hotel or casino, nothing has happened.  It makes me so sad to see such a splendid building rotting. 

Anyway, sorry for the rant but this is my entry to celebrate the anniversary of Derelict Sunday (or Thursday as it originally was) as hosted by the hostess with the mostest Freespiral.