General Post Office, Hong Kong: From Past to Present

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Arch of the General Staff Building in St Petersburg, Russia in Low Angle Photography
Credit: pexels.com, Arch of the General Staff Building in St Petersburg, Russia in Low Angle Photography

The General Post Office in Hong Kong has a rich history that spans over a century. It was built in 1914 and took four years to complete.

The building's design was influenced by the British colonial style of architecture, reflecting the city's colonial past. Its stunning facade and grandeur make it a prominent landmark in the city.

The General Post Office has undergone several renovations and expansions over the years, with the most recent one being completed in 2004. This renovation aimed to restore the building's original grandeur while incorporating modern facilities and amenities.

History of GPO

The General Post Office, or GPO, has a rich history in Hong Kong. The GPO has been moved three times since its establishment in 1841.

Its first location was above St. John's Cathedral, Garden Road, from 1841 to 1846. The GPO has since relocated to other areas to ensure efficient mail delivery from ocean liners.

Post Office Facade
Credit: pexels.com, Post Office Facade

The GPO's second location was on Queen's Road Central, opposite D'Aguilar Street, from 1846 to 1911. This move was likely due to the growing need for a central location.

The third relocation took place in 1911, moving the GPO to the junction of Des Voeux Road Central and Pedder Street. This location was rebuilt into the World-Wide House in later years.

The GPO's current location is at 2 Connaught Place, Central, since 1976. This location was chosen to increase the efficiency of the Hong Kong mailing system.

The GPO building itself was designed by local architect K.M. Tseng and features a unique modernist architecture ethos. The building's design prioritizes function over form, reflecting the era in which it was built.

The building's exterior design makes it easy to visually recognize which portions are used for different purposes. For example, the floors dedicated to machine equipment are windowless, while the floors for office buildings have small rectangular windows.

The basement of the building was initially built as a sheltered berth for mail ships. This feature is no longer in use today.

Hong Kong's Modern Heritage

Credit: youtube.com, The Old General Post Office, Hong Kong

The General Post Office in Hong Kong is a significant landmark that has played a crucial role in the city's development.

It opened on 11 August 1976, coinciding with the city's rapid growth and urbanization.

The Hong Kong General Post Office in Central of Hong Kong Island was specifically opened on the same date, marking a new era for the city's postal services.

This new post office always correlates to the property development and land reclamation of Hong Kong.

Opening and Timeline

The General Post Office in Hong Kong has a fascinating history. It opened on 11 August 1976.

The Hong Kong General Post Office in Central of Hong Kong Island shares the same opening date, 11 August 1976.

This opening correlates to the property development and land reclamation of Hong Kong.

Felicia Larson

Writer

Felicia Larson is a seasoned writer with a keen eye for detail and a passion for logistics. Her work focuses on the intricate world of shipping companies, where she delves into the complexities of global logistics and supply chain management. Through her articles, she aims to provide readers with a comprehensive understanding of the industry, from the latest technological advancements to the challenges faced by shipping companies.

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