 Attempts to raise funds locally failed, and the architect behind the plans was rejected in favour of Melbourne architects John Grainger and Charles D'Ebro, who also designed the National Bank in Fremantle.Tenders were called in 1884 but none were chosen as they all exceeded the budget.After further modifications to the design, tenders were recalled and only one builder, Edward V. Keane, put forward a tender with four separate price ranges.