Building Details - Architects of South Australia

The Adelaide General Post Office was designed and documented by Woods (‘A Builder of Cities’ 1913) while in partnership with Wright. The design was chosen in 1865 competition. However they were asked to alter their design, and the final building was also influenced by two other architects, Edward A. Hamilton and Robert G. Thomas who had jointly submitted a design that came second in the competition. ‘Wright & Woods asked Edward Hamilton to join them in the execution of the work’ (Page 1986, p.75). However, ‘the Government of the day then thought it would be better to carry out the work departmentally. … and … paid us £1,300 as compensation’ (A Builder of Cities 1913). The then Colonial Architect, R.G. Thomas reduced the final height of the tower with the GPO being opened in 1872.
General Post Office, Adelaide, S.A., plan of main facade (design later cancelled) D 6598(Misc), State Library of South Australia.
The Post Office was extended in 1891-92.