The Frontage

The Frontage is a former head post office, now used as offices, built between 1895 and 1898 by Tanner of the Office of Works. The building was largely rebuilt around 1985, retaining only the original facade. It is constructed from ashlar stone and features a slate roof with several coped ashlar stacks, some of which have been renewed. Designed in the Renaissance Revival style, the facade includes a plinth, cornices, a blocking course, and coped gables.

The building has three and four storeys plus attics, with a total of 17 windows arranged in an alternating pattern. It consists of four blocks that create an almost symmetrical appearance. The main block has three storeys and three bays, featuring two modillion cornices and giant Ionic columns on pedestals. The ground floor is marked by three tall round arches that contain a pedimented doorcase with a granite surround, flanked by plate glass windows, all topped with fanlights. Above this, there are three windows on each floor, and a pedimented dormer with side columns and a cross-framed window. Small pedimented dormers are located on each side.

The projecting side bays have flat-headed doorways with small triple windows above. The upper levels display regular fenestration and large dormers. The side blocks, each with three bays, feature central round-arched doorways with columns, flanked by flat-headed transomed windows. Above these doorways, there is regular fenestration and three small dormers. The projecting end bays have cross mullioned windows on the ground floor, with regular fenestration and single dormers above, the right bay featuring a larger dormer. To the right, there is an additional bay with three windows and cross mullioned windows on each floor. The right side also has an altered ground floor window. The building is topped with three large attic windows that have segmental pediments. The end bay to the right includes a 20th-century entrance, with regular fenestration and a large dormer above it. The only part of this former post office that holds special architectural interest is its facade.