Council
has resolved to consider a range of options for the future of the former
Geelong Post Office on the corner of Ryrie and Gheringhap Streets.
Following
a successful alternate motion moved by Councillor Jim Mason, City of Greater Geelong officers have been given until 9 July 2019 to
investigate and report back to council on the following options for the
historic building:
- sale
- a
public private partnership - opportunities
for fundraising, including philanthropy and state and federal government
grants and - calling
for public submissions for sustainable solutions that support the surrounding
cultural and civic precinct.
The decision comes after the delivery of a comprehensive Conservation
Management Plan, which will see heritage elements strongly protected in any future
use of the building.
These
elements are also protected through its inclusion on the Victorian Heritage
Register and within a heritage overlay on the planning scheme.
The new Conservation Management Plan was commissioned in response to community
feedback following council’s notice of its intention to sell the site in May
2018. This included a submission from the Geelong and Region Branch of the
National Trust of Australia (Victoria).
The building served as the city’s main post office from 1891 until 1994, when
it was bought by the City of Greater Geelong using an interest free loan of
$670,000 from the state government.
Under the City’s ownership the former post office was used as an office
building until last year, but is now vacant. With a new consolidated civic
precinct to be built at 137 Mercer Street, it does not form part of the City’s
future office plans.
Councillor Bruce Harwood – Mayor
This alternate motion reinforces council’s
commitment to listening to the community, and we now hope to bring the matter
back for a resolution one way or the other in a timely manner.
Councillor Jim Mason – Chair, Arts, Culture and Heritage portfolio
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.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.
