Melbourne’s GPO Grew With the City (1867)
Melbourne’s GPO Grew With the City (1867)
Melbourne’s GPO did not open with the height and tower it has today. The 1867 building was enlarged as the city’s postal service grew.
The story behind the scene
A permanent post office had stood at Bourke and Elizabeth streets since 1841. Work on its larger replacement began in 1861, and the new GPO opened in 1867.
Expansion during the 1880s added another level and raised the clock tower. Further work extended the Elizabeth Street frontage in the early twentieth century.
Postal use eventually gave way to other purposes. After a major fire in 2001, the building was restored and reopened as a retail precinct in 2004.
What you’re seeing
The historical image shows the earlier building before the extra storey and higher tower of the 1880s. The modern photograph makes those additions visible at the same corner.
Why this photo matters
The two views show a building enlarged rather than replaced. The extra floor and tower changed its outline while retaining the arcades and corner address.
Sources: Australia Post: postal history; Encyclopedia of Melbourne: General Post Office.