General Post Office, Brisbane

General Post Office
Brisbane
General Post Office, Brisbane, 2020
Map
Alternative namesGPO
General information
TypePost Office
Architectural styleNeoclassical architecture
LocationBrisbane central business district
Address261 Queen Street, Brisbane
Current tenantsAustralia Post
Construction started1871
Inaugurated28 September 1872
OwnerAustralia Post
Height50 feet (15 m)
Technical details
Structural systemBrick and stone
Floor count2
Design and construction
Architect(s)F. G. D. Stanley
Main contractorJohn Petrie
References
General Post Office History

The General Post Office (GPO) in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia, is a heritage-listed building located at 261 Queen Street. Originally constructed in 1872, it was extended through to Elizabeth Street in 1908. The GPO remains in use by the Australia Post today. Opposite the GPO is the Post Office Square.

History

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Architectural plans for the Brisbane GPO, 1872

The first full-time postmaster in Brisbane was J. E. Barney, appointed in 1852.[1] In 1862, Thomas Lodge Murray Prior became the first Postmaster-General for the state of Queensland. Initially, postal services operated from a small convict-era building, which was inconveniently distant from the telegraph office. The Postmaster-General selected a centrally located half-hectare site for the new post office.[1]

The GPO in 1931

The building previously located at the Queen Street site, which once housed women convicts, was demolished in 1871.[1]

Freestone and bricks were sourced locally for the construction. The GPO officially opened on 28 September 1872. In 1873, the Queensland Museum was housed in the General Post Office building until it moved to the William Street building in 1879. That same year, a second wing constructed by John Petrie was completed, allowing the telegraph office to relocate to the GPO, much to the satisfaction of business customers

The building features deep verandahs and high ceilings. A clock mounted in the pediment above the main entrance was once illuminated by a gas-powered light, later replaced by a smaller electric clock.[1] In 1892, the first typewriter used in any Australian post office was introduced at the GPO.[1] Stamps and money orders were once available to customers through windows outside the building, which are now closed.[1]

The building has been listed on the Brisbane City Council Heritage Register.[2]

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  • View of the ANZAC Square, Post Office Square, and the General Post Office, as seen from the Sofitel Hotel.
    View of the ANZAC Square, Post Office Square, and the General Post Office, as seen from the Sofitel Hotel.
  • View from Brisbane GPO - showing the Post Office Square, Sofitel Hotel, and Central Station
    View from Brisbane GPO - showing the Post Office Square, Sofitel Hotel, and Central Station
  • General Post Office, Brisbane, as seen from the Post Office Square.
    General Post Office, Brisbane, as seen from the Post Office Square.
  • General Post Office, as seen from the Post Office Square.
    General Post Office, as seen from the Post Office Square.

See also

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References

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  1. ^ a b c d e f Gregory, Helen; Dianne Mclay (2010). Building Brisbane's History: Structure, Sculptures, Stories and Secrets. Warriewood, New South Wales: Woodslane Press. pp. 68–72. ISBN 9781921606199.
  2. ^ "Brisbane City Council Heritage Register". Brisbane City Council. Retrieved 25 May 2013.[permanent dead link]
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