Old Geelong Post Office: A Historic Landmark in Geelong

The Old Geelong Post Office is a stunning example of Victorian-era architecture, having been built in 1870. Its design is a testament to the era's grandeur and attention to detail.

With its imposing façade and intricate stonework, the building exudes a sense of history and significance. The post office has been a Geelong landmark for over 150 years.

The building's impressive clock tower, completed in 1872, is a notable feature that has become synonymous with the city's identity.

The former Geelong Post Office is a significant building that holds a special place in the city's history. It was built in 1889-90 by David Kinnaird and designed by JH Marsden and JH Brabin of the Public Works Department.

This building is a notable example of the architectural style of the time, with a two-storey rendered brick facade and an ornamental tower that was added later. The clock and bell chimes in the tower were installed in 1911.

The building's design is a fine example of a late Victorian boom style public building with French Second Empire influence. The substantial two-storey loggia surmounted by dormers and multiple pediments is a particularly impressive feature.

The former Geelong Post Office played a crucial role in the city's communications network. It was the centre of the communications network for Geelong and in 1912, it was the location for the first automatic telephone exchange in the southern hemisphere.

The clock and chimes of the Post Office's tower are a poignant reminder of the community's strong ties to Britain. They were installed as a result of a public subscription to commemorate King Edward VII in 1910.

The future of the Old Geelong Post Office is exciting, with a $20 million transformation underway to turn it into an accommodation and hospitality complex.

This development will respect the building's rich history, with the primary aim being to be respectful to the existing building and allow it to reclaim its former grand presence to the street.

The project's lead architect, Tarryn Joyce, has a clear vision for the building's makeover, which includes re-instating lost heritage features and removing the non-heritage 1960's addition.

This sensitive approach will allow the heritage building to stand alone and hold its true proportion with a re-framed presentation to the street.

The City of Greater Geelong council approved the sale of the 130-year building to Batman Management Group Pty Ltd, and the proposed development meets the city's objectives of celebrating the building's rich history and complementing the wider arts and cultural precinct.

The accommodation and hospitality complex will encourage diverse community use and more people to stay and socialise in central Geelong.

The Old Geelong Post Office operated from 1891-1994, and the city then purchased the site, allowing it to host various community groups until it was vacated in 2018.

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