UPDATE: Brisbane’s iconic General Post Office (GPO) is hitting the market for the very first time since its establishment for the colonial Australian Postal Corporation in 1872. Australia Post has just announced that it will seek expressions of interest for a 99-year lease on the landmark building located on Queen Street, while maintaining ownership of the property.
This unprecedented move comes as Australia Post aims to revitalize the historic site, which spans a substantial 5306 square metres with approximately 8000 square metres of lettable area, most of which is currently vacant. Australia Post’s Chief Financial Officer, Michael Bradburn, emphasized that a post office will continue to operate at the site, although its exact location within the building is open for negotiation.
“The Brisbane GPO is a landmark building; however, the post office only occupies a very small part of the full site,” Bradburn stated. He further highlighted that offering a leasehold would facilitate reinvestment in the postal network, enhancing eCommerce services.
The timing is significant, as this initiative aims to create a thriving precinct ahead of the 2032 Olympic Games, reinforcing Australia Post’s commitment to the Brisbane community. Bradburn emphasized, “By offering a leasehold, we have an opportunity to reinvest in our network and provide our eCommerce customers with fast and reliable deliveries to support their business growth.”
The Brisbane GPO will be open for public viewing as part of the Brisbane Open House event, inviting community engagement with the historical site. As negotiations begin, the community and potential investors are watching closely, eager to see how this lease opportunity unfolds.
As this story develops, stakeholders are encouraged to keep a lookout for updates on the process and potential impacts on Brisbane’s urban landscape. The future of the GPO could redefine the area and contribute significantly to the city’s growth as it gears up for the global spotlight in 2032.
