Chief Post Office, Christchurch

In 1863 it was decided Christchurch would replace Lyttelton as the main Post Town. Christchurch's post office was too small and located in Market Square, later known as Victoria Square. Architect William Henry Clayton would design the Christchurch Post Office.

The design of the building is Italianate with Venetian Gothic touches. The upper windows have pointed arches. A four faced clock turret clock was installed in the Post Office tower in 1879. It is thought to be an imitation of London's Great Clock of Westminster. On the east face of the tower, under the clock, is the coat of arms of the United Kingdom.

Like other buildings on the Square, the Chief Post Office has suffered quake damages over the years. It has lost tenants since the devastating quake of 2011. In 2018 came the announcement that the building would be repaired and restored. Building Owner Gordon Chamberlain said the process would take about two years.

Scheduled repairs include the facade and clock tower, overall strengthening and replacing the roof.