Council officers to deliberate on Geelong’s post office

GEELONG council has vowed to consider all options for the future of the city’s former post office after an alternate motion was successfully moved by councillor Jim Mason.

According to the Victorian Heritage Database, the iconic two-storey building – which sits on the corner of Ryrie Street and Gheringhap Street – was built in 1889-90 and remains one of the largest regional post offices in Victoria.

The decision to thoughtfully plan its fate comes after the delivery of a comprehensive “Conservation Management Plan”, which will see the heritage listed building protected for future use.

“The former Geelong Post Office is an incredible asset. We owe it to the people of Greater Geelong to study this comprehensive Conservation Management Plan in detail and look at all the options in front of us, not just the sale of the building,” Cr Mason who chairs the arts, culture and heritage portfolio, said.

Geelong council officers will have until July 9 to investigate and report if the historic building should be sold, used for a publicprivate partnership, purposed for fundraising opportunities, or be made available for public submissions.

“I’m looking forward to the CEO taking this document on board, to report back to council in three months’ time. Thanks to the development of this comprehensive plan, the community can be assured the former post office will be protected into the future, regardless of the owner.”

The building served as the city’s main post office until 1994 when the COGG purchased it for $675,000 on an interest free loan from the state government.