General Post Office, Brisbane facts for kids
Quick facts for kids General Post Office |
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General Post Office, Brisbane, 2020
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| Alternative names | GPO |
| General information | |
| Type | Post Office |
| Architectural style | Neoclassical architecture |
| Location | Brisbane central business district |
| Address | 261 Queen Street, Brisbane |
| Current tenants | Australia Post |
| Construction started | 1871 |
| Inaugurated | 28 September 1872 |
| Owner | Australia Post |
| Height | 50 feet (15 m) |
| Technical details | |
| Structural system | Brick and stone |
| Floor count | 2 |
| Design and construction | |
| Architect | F. G. D. Stanley |
| Main contractor | John Petrie |
| References | |
| General Post Office History | |
The General Post Office (often called the GPO) is a very old and important building in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia. It's located at 261 Queen Street. This special building was opened way back in 1872. Later, in 1908, it was made even bigger, stretching all the way to Elizabeth Street.
The GPO is still used by Australia Post today. Right across from the GPO building, you'll find Post Office Square. It's a famous landmark and a great example of old architecture.
History of the GPO Building
The first person to work full-time as a postmaster in Brisbane was J. E. Barney in 1852. A postmaster is in charge of a post office. Later, in 1862, Thomas Lodge Murray Prior became the first Postmaster-General for the whole state of Queensland.
At first, a small building from the convict era was used for postal services. But this building was too far from the telegraph office. The Postmaster-General decided to choose a new, larger site. He picked a central spot that was about half a hectare in size.
The old building that stood on the chosen Queen Street site was taken down in 1871. This building had once housed women convicts. The new GPO was built using local materials like freestone and bricks.
The General Post Office officially opened its doors on 28 September 1872. For a short time, in 1873, the Queensland Museum was located inside the GPO building. However, the museum moved to the William Street building in 1879.
In the same year, a second part of the building was finished. This new section was built by John Petrie. It allowed the telegraph office to move into the GPO. This was great news for businesses and customers who used both services.
Design and Features
The GPO building has some cool design features. It has deep verandahs, which are like covered porches, and very high ceilings. These features help keep the building cool.
There used to be a clock above the main entrance. This clock was lit up by a gas-powered light. Later, a smaller electric clock replaced it.
The Brisbane GPO was also home to an important first! In 1892, the very first typewriter used in any post office in Australia was used right here. In the past, you could even buy stamps and money orders from windows outside the building. These windows are now closed.
The General Post Office is a very important historical site. It has been listed on the Brisbane City Council Heritage Register. This means it's recognized as a special building that needs to be protected.
Gallery
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view of ANZAC Square, Post Office Square and the General Post Office, as seen from the Sofitel Hotel
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View from Brisbane GPO - showing Post Office Square, Sofitel Hotel and Central Station
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General Post Office, Brisbane — as seen from Post Office Square
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General Post Office — as seen from Post Office Square
