http://www.theage.com.au/articles/2003/05/19/1053196525089.html

Last post for the old GPO
May 20 2003


http://www.theage.com.au/ffxImage/urlpicture_id_1053196533577_2003/05/19/f-post,0.jpg

An artist's impression of the redeveloped GPO.


About 60 retailers will offer "funky" and "edgy" shopping experiences in fashion and food, homewares and healing. Royce Millar reports.


Do not expect to buy a stanp or send a letter at the GPO when it reopens next year. Do expect to buy lots of lattes, anti-ageing treatments, spas, sashimi and Spanish shoes.

When developers Morry Schwartz and Adam Garrisson are finished, their $95 million makeover, the Melbourne GPO will be reborn as GPO Melbourne. The dour landmark that for 135 years kept Melburnians connected with the rest of the world will be turned inside out.

Gone will be the post and sorting boxes and the postal clerks. The only link to the GPO of old will be the building, preserved by heritage requirements. Even the GPO pigeons are no longer welcome - the developers are looking at pigeon-scaring devices to keep their building clean.

About 60 retailers will offer what the developers like to call "funky" and "edgy" shopping experiences in fashion and food, homewares and healing.

After Schwartz's Pan Urban and Garrisson's Wetherby won the right to redevelop the GPO, a faulty computer sparked a fire that almost gutted the building in September 2001.

The heat ruined much of the plaster work and left the developers the arduous task of rebuilding - under the watchful eye of Heritage Victoria - some of the original archways and cornices and the ceiling.

History is often a nuisance to developers, but Schwartz insists that the building's heritage was its main asset. Garrison agrees: "People are scared of heritage; we love it."

A feature of the restoration is extensive use of very light paint that lightens and opens up the old postal hall and floors above. Garrison says the paint, plus generous use of glass and white, stainless steel, "brings out the beauty of the building".

As it happens, the original 19th-century GPO also sported a very light paint treatment. Darker colours were only used in a repaint job in the 1900s. In the early 20th century, a Walter Burley Griffin redesign opened the GPO to the public for the first time. Previously, customers were served from openings onto the Elizabeth Street colonnade.

Today's developers are proposing a transparent and open complex with cafes spilling, Venetian-style, on to the Elizabeth Street colonnade and to Postal Lane to the east. The opening of Postal Lane will create the first lane link from the Bourke Street mall through to Little Bourke Street.

The project has been likened to the refurbished Queen Victoria Building in Sydney. But Schwartz says think Milan, not Sydney. "In Sydney it is all internal," he says. "They have used pastel heritage colours. This building has always had a light colour so it will look much more as if you're in Milan."

The redevelopment also ends the protracted debate about what to do with the small square beside the GPO on the corner of Elizabeth and Little Bourke streets. The developers will build a futuristic six-level extension to house shops and a swanky sixth-level restaurant.

Garrisson says GPO Melbourne will continue to be a meeting place.

Retailers are expected to include Melbourne unisex label Roy Clothing, Sydney-based women's designer Wayne Cooper, and Spanish shoe specialist Camper.

WOW!!!!!!!! :D

If only they would finish off the Elizabeth Street facade, then I would be as happy as larry (who ever larry is!)

I think the whole project will be amazing.

Great news!cant wait to see it finished,
Ive always thought it was an under used icon building.
Its good they are going to fill in the block of land in Elizabeth ST that was never used to finish the building -typical Melbourne.

I read that article earlier this morning. I always thought it was being converted into a Hotel!

So it's only going to be retail then is it?

It will be interesting to see how that new lane works. ie are all the shops going to open onto it?

Looks nice though

James.

Fantastic news. It's the LEAST they could do for that landmark, and I'm happy they're opening up that lane as well, which is what MCC wanted...another chic laneway! As for that little square, well, I'd prefer if they completed the GPO, but futuristic building instead - I can live with that. That render makes it look way better than QVB!

Hey Tays!

Isnt there a detailed thread somewhere for this development ...maybe u could merge them???

Cheers

Dean - Melbourne

<table cellpadding=4 cellspacing=0 width=98% class="quoteBox">
<td align=left valign=center> <smallfont> <b>Quote</B> <I>originally posted by Dean </i></b> </smallfont> </td>
<tr><td align=left valign=top>Hey Tays!

Isnt there a detailed thread somewhere for this development ...maybe u could merge them???

Cheers

Dean - Melbourne</td></tr>
</table>

yeah I'll do it when I get home, just posted it in a rush (at RMIT atm ;))

tays

GPO after the fire:

http://www.theage.com.au/ffxImage/urlpicture_id_1053196524216_2003/05/19/20GPO_GUTTED,0.jpg

The heritage-listed GPO was designed in the grand manner of the neo-Renaissance style fashionable in the mid-1800s. It is considered one of Australia's most important public buildings. Heritage Victoria recognises its social significance as a public landmark and meeting place.

1859

First GPO on present site at the corner of Bourke and Elizabeth Streets.

1859-1867

Two-level and much grander GPO, designed by architects including A. E. Johnson, is built. A third level and tower added in 1887.

1919

After World War I interruption, US architect Walter Burley Griffin finishes redesign, opening sorting hall to public. GPO is one of Griffin's first Australian projects.

1992

Australia Post flags end of major postal role for GPO and says it may even sell building.

1993

Shopping mall planning permit granted. Project lapses.

1997

Tuscan Hotel group proposes hotel development, including 10-level extension. Plan later abandoned.

2001

Morry Schwartz's Pan Urban and Adam Garrisson's Wetherby Capital win development rights for retail complex. GPO closes as a public facility.

SEPTEMBER 12

Fire almost guts GPO.

MAY 20, 2003

GPO Morry Schwartz and Garrisson unveil GPO Melbourne concept. Construction scheduled for completion in first half of 2004.

damn its gonna look so white and clean.

where is the GPO in melbourne? I dont think i saw it when i was down there?

<table cellpadding=4 cellspacing=0 width=98% class="quoteBox">
<td align=left valign=center> <smallfont> <b>Quote</B> <I>originally posted by rondeez </i></b> </smallfont> </td>
<tr><td align=left valign=top>damn its gonna look so white and clean.

where is the GPO in melbourne? I dont think i saw it when i was down there?</td></tr>
</table>

read the above article, it tells you there.

<table cellpadding=4 cellspacing=0 width=98% class="quoteBox">
<td align=left valign=center> <smallfont> <b>Quote</B> <I>originally posted by tayser </i></b> </smallfont> </td>
<tr><td align=left valign=top><table cellpadding=4 cellspacing=0 width=98% class="quoteBox">
<td align=left valign=center> <smallfont> <b>Quote</B> <I>originally posted by rondeez </i></b> </smallfont> </td>
<tr><td align=left valign=top>damn its gonna look so white and clean.

where is the GPO in melbourne? I dont think i saw it when i was down there?</td></tr>
</table>

read the above article, it tells you there.</td></tr>
</table>

but there is so much text to read :ohno: hahaha

i just commented on the pwetty pic :D

its on the crn of bourke street mall and elizebeth streets if I remember right.....
looks brilliant it will be a big boost and a much needed boost to the mall.....
so it will have 2 levles of retail ? what will be in the other floors ?? looks very classy, wonder if they will attract new fashion stores or stores from crown & collins will move there ?
is the facade being upgraded ?
the stores look interesting only being blocked off by glass and being 'open' to the mall, they will need tight security to protect the stock at night

Looks great.

Will it be open by Feb next year. I hope to be back in Oz on holiday then.

Opening March 2004:
http://www.gpomelbourne.com/gpo1024.jpg
How Melbourne is that? Stylish Victorian mixed with funky futuristic cool (it even has a laneway :-). Absolutely stunning!

QV+Melbourne Central+GPO Melbourne=:master:

One of my fav clock towers in OZ!
heres some pix of GPO tower.
original 32m/105ft tower of 1867.

http://image.sl.nsw.gov.au/on4/402/40281r.jpg

just after extension in 1890.
The 56m/180ft tower was even higher than APA bldg just south on Elizabeth st.

http://nla.gov.au/nla.pic-an10638277-38-v

<table cellpadding=4 cellspacing=0 width=98% class="quoteBox">
<td align=left valign=center> <smallfont> <b>Quote</B> <I>originally posted by Grollo </i></b> </smallfont> </td>
<tr><td align=left valign=top>
How Melbourne is that? Stylish Victorian mixed with funky futuristic cool (it even has a laneway :-). Absolutely stunning!

QV+Melbourne Central+GPO Melbourne=:master:</td></tr>
</table>

aye, and hopefully it might spark a flurry of renovations on Elizabeth Street - diagonally opposite, Galleria's undergoing a reno - just need to share the love up [north] and down [south] the street ;)

tays

Magnificent play !! Another great funky yet classic addition to my end of town..

Lurvely..

have the MCC alocated funds for an upgrade of elizebeth street ? or have any future upgrade plans? is the road to thin to widen footpaths like swanson street ? it would be great if they upgraded it like swanno!
the inside would make a nice art gallery.....
does it have links to bourke street mall and little lonsdale or the lane that runs north of it ?

That render only shows two stories... will all three stories be used as retail?

MG2

<table cellpadding=4 cellspacing=0 width=98% class="quoteBox">
<td align=left valign=center> <smallfont> <b>Quote</B> <I>originally posted by MG2 </i></b> </smallfont> </td>
<tr><td align=left valign=top>That render only shows two stories... will all three stories be used as retail?

MG2</td></tr>
</table>
A-brain said it, lurvely play - all these developments is just farken amazing! So what's happening in the CBD again?

Galleria, QV, CP, MC, Bourke St MAll redevelopment, SCX, UW, SX Station, EY@HWT...woo hoo! Not to mention, State Library redevelopment. All this opening it up with WHITE interiors like the glorious State Library dome is tres chic!

MG2, I think that the render shows the original postal hall - see the burnt out pic. The top level must be offices (?).

The 1st design
http://www.slv.vic.gov.au/pictoria/b/2/2/im/b22197.jpg

Only 2/3 of the 1st design (above) is almost completed (below)
http://nla.gov.au/nla.pic-an23784287-v

The 2nd design (with northern extension) incorporating the existing building (above)
http://www.statelibrary.vic.gov.au/miscpics/0/0/5/im/mp005308.jpg

The GPO with the 3rd floor and extended tower (no northern extension)
http://nla.gov.au/nla.pic-an3366506-26-v

The GPO with only 1/2 the northern extension under construction
http://www.statelibrary.vic.gov.au/pictoria/a/1/4/im/a14212.jpg

The GPO today with only 1/2 the northern extension completed :(
http://www.ahc.gov.au/cgi-bin/rne_photodb/rne_photodb.pl?action=get_photo&photoid=26104&phototype=P&indigenous=

It always shits me when I see that unfinished northern end.
The MCC should have made the completion of that section one of the conditions of granting a permit.

Can't wait to see the design for the new building, that gap really looks crap at the moment. I think this is a wonderful opportunity to create an awesome piece of modern architecture next to and over the existing GPO extension, something similar to what they did with Storey Hall at RMIT.

I have seen the designs for the new building, and its just another glass curtain wall :( But it is set back from Elizabeth St to allow for the completion (if ever) of the original Post Office facade.

<table cellpadding=4 cellspacing=0 width=98% class="quoteBox">
<td align=left valign=center> <smallfont> <b>Quote</B> <I>originally posted by Aussie Steve </i></b> </smallfont> </td>
<tr><td align=left valign=top>I have seen the designs for the new building, and its just another glass curtain wall :( But it is set back from Elizabeth St to allow for the completion (if ever) of the original Post Office facade.</td></tr>
</table>
That's crap :(

COMPLETE THE FARKEN THING! (Same goes for so many other structures, ESPECIALLY Parliament House!!!)

<table cellpadding=4 cellspacing=0 width=98% class="quoteBox">
<td align=left valign=center> <smallfont> <b>Quote</B> <I>originally posted by Blabbyboy </i></b> </smallfont> </td>
<tr><td align=left valign=top><table cellpadding=4 cellspacing=0 width=98% class="quoteBox">
<td align=left valign=center> <smallfont> <b>Quote</B> <I>originally posted by Aussie Steve </i></b> </smallfont> </td>
<tr><td align=left valign=top>I have seen the designs for the new building, and its just another glass curtain wall :( But it is set back from Elizabeth St to allow for the completion (if ever) of the original Post Office facade.</td></tr>
</table>
That's crap :(

COMPLETE THE FARKEN THING! (Same goes for so many other structures, ESPECIALLY Parliament House!!!)</td></tr>
</table>

Are you gonna convince Bracksy to pick up from where I'm-an-arrogant-f*ck-Kennett left off ?

If so, GREAT, but you'd need a miracle blabbs!

;)

tays

<table cellpadding=4 cellspacing=0 width=98% class="quoteBox">
<td align=left valign=center> <smallfont> <b>Quote</B> <I>originally posted by tayser </i></b> </smallfont> </td>
<tr><td align=left valign=top><table cellpadding=4 cellspacing=0 width=98% class="quoteBox">
<td align=left valign=center> <smallfont> <b>Quote</B> <I>originally posted by Blabbyboy </i></b> </smallfont> </td>
<tr><td align=left valign=top><table cellpadding=4 cellspacing=0 width=98% class="quoteBox">
<td align=left valign=center> <smallfont> <b>Quote</B> <I>originally posted by Aussie Steve </i></b> </smallfont> </td>
<tr><td align=left valign=top>I have seen the designs for the new building, and its just another glass curtain wall :( But it is set back from Elizabeth St to allow for the completion (if ever) of the original Post Office facade.</td></tr>
</table>
That's crap :(

COMPLETE THE FARKEN THING! (Same goes for so many other structures, ESPECIALLY Parliament House!!!)</td></tr>
</table>

Are you gonna convince Bracksy to pick up from where I'm-an-arrogant-f*ck-Kennett left off ?

If so, GREAT, but you'd need a miracle blabbs!

;)

tays</td></tr>
</table>

WTF Tays ?? You blaming Jeff for not completing the Post Office ??

Pardon me if I'm missing something but wasn't the lack of completion something that happened *decades* ago ??

Parliament House A-brain!

http://home.iprimus.com.au/revlis81/gpo.JPG
Thanks to silvermb

What a typical bastardation of an original grand design. It will look like a pimple on a bum and look very out of place and stuck on.

Current heritage policy (supported by Heritage Victoria & the National Trust) is that new buildings should not try and replicate the existing building, but should be as different as possible to allow the heritage building to retain it's own identity. An excellent example of this is Storey hall at RMIT.

Of course they still could finish the extension exactly as planned but this would be extremely expensive. It would also be building something which was designed for a completely different use and is not up to modern standards.

If you insisted that a developer could only complete the extension as planned then this building would sit there empty for many, many years to come or you would get a cheap renovation of the existing building with no extension at all.

Istill reckon they could have at least built the couple of stories on the half finished bit .I just feel that it will still look like the unfinished building it has always been.

Grollo, you are right about the Heritage Victoria & NT policy, but they also agree with the completion of buildings already incomplete.

The only thing I want is the Elizabeth Street facade to be completed (as shown above) to its original design. What they do behind the facade is up to them and I would be the first to encourage them to build something modern (as shown above).

You know what until someone pointed it out here recently I never even *realised* that the GPO had that unfinished side to it.. I guess I like most people probably assumed it was like the back lower quarters ...

So I'm not too fussed.. as pointed out to complete the Eliz St Facade to its true original form would be prohibitively expensive in the current climate I feel (Builders charge enough just for laying prefab walls down!!)

So yeah instead of trying to do a poxy new simplified impression of the grand architecture, better to put something that is modern and different but complimentary..

It's far better than leaving exposed the ugly decrepid wall of the building behind it..

And just like the Exibition Buildings.. glass add-ons can be torn down withing 15-20 years and replaced by something better!!

I agree with AussieSteve on this - complete the facade then put something modern behind it.

astonishingly there's a St Hillers tower crane base onsite, how many levels is the office block, 5? Only reason i can see for a tower crane is to lessen the effect on traffic that a mobile crane would create. Anyway another crane from another developer soon to appear in the skyline

http://home.iprimus.com.au/revlis81/gpo_20030729.JPG

I didn't realise the action was going to be so big - that's not a refurb, it's a gut and stuff!

images from recent times

http://www.skyscrapercity.com/photopost/data/510/483gpo_20030930.jpg

to keep the tower crane busy the floors are pre-cast panels, not the standard pour
http://www.skyscrapercity.com/photopost/data/510/483gpo_20030926.jpg

sh*t you're game!

^ That was a big hole in the ground last week! They are powering along! Also has anyone noticed that the lower level of the GPO has either been vigorously cleaned or painted??

MG2

Originally posted by MG2
Also has anyone noticed that the lower level of the GPO has either been vigorously cleaned or painted??

MG2
There has been no cleaning and definitely no painting of the lower portion of the GPO for at least 10 years!

Walked past today...can you take picture from anywhere?!

There was a lot of noise going on inside so they are still working!? It is only a re-development isn't it.

hey lukie, they are some quality pics in the other threads

like you said gpo and racv are hard targets but when they stack a few more floors on here, this spot is the best

http://www.skyscrapercity.com/photopost/data/510/483gpo_20031106.jpg

'lukie' that's a new one! but alright!

Ahh that is up at Little Bourke is it? I didn't go up that end!

Thanks!

where did that come from?? that was fast.. i know its only 5 or 6 levels but its a lovely all glass buildng that i think will complement the 'old girl' next door very well.. im very much looking forward to walking through the 'old' GPO.. cant wait to see the magnificent interior, and exterior 4 that matter, back to its original best.

is the opening planned for early to mid next year??? anyone know?

Cheers

Dean - Melbourne

from a week or so ago

http://metropolis.tayser.net/projects/cbd/gpo/gpo3001041.jpg

I walked past the GPO yesterday and you can see right through into the old postal hall from Little Bourke Street. You can see the escalators etc. It was supose to be finished by March 2004, but I think it might be September/October 2004.

here are those escalators being moved into place

there were about 50-odd onlookers when they moved these into place last month

http://www.skyscrapercity.com/photopost/data/510/483gpo_20040119.jpg

Hi guys,

Just been readiung through the Melbourne Fashion Festival Guide and it has alot of information about some new retail developments around the CBD which are set to oopen in the coming months. Check this out:

"The former GPO, on the corner of Bourke and Elizabeth Streets, Melbourne is about to be transformed into Australia's newest fashion and lifestyle destination. The beautiful, light filled historic building will be completely refurbished and include a six level contemporary extension three floors of fashion, restaurants and cafes opening onto its famous colonnades and to Postal Lane - connecting Bourke with Little Bourke Street. Prior to its opening in mid 2004, the ownders have kindly made the GPO Melbourne available to the L'Oreal Melbourne Fashion Festival as the new fashion central venue for a series of exciting fashion shows during the festival."

If you wanna check it out here are the events being held there that the public will have access to:

1) Tuesday 16th March, 6.30pm
- L'Oreal Paris Ready to Wear 2

2) Tuesday 16th March, 9.30pm
- L'Oreal Paris Ready to Wear 4

3) Wednesday 15th March, 7.30pm
- L'Oreal Paris Ready to Wear 5

4) Wednesday 15th March, 8.30pm
- Remake/Remix, S!X & Yoshiki Hishinuma

5)Wednesday 15th March, 9.30pm,
- L'Oreal Paris Ready to Wear 6

They are ticketed events costing $29.50 each... to book call 13 28 94.

I'll probably go to one and check it out... probably get free tickets through work which'll be good :D

MG2

Two months later, and I havent been up this part of Elizabeth St - has the facade started going up yet?

No I don't think so??? Although now thay i think about it might have at the lower levels.... This one is SLOWER then Eureaka...!

The frame for the glass has been up for a while now, but still no glass in sight! There is action a plenty inside!

revised image of the office section, blue glass replaced with clear

http://www.williamsboag.com.au/pics_projs/gpo3.jpg

http://www.skyscrapercity.com/photopost/uploads/483/gpo.jpg

I like the seperate roof structure which mimics the London Stores just up the street (pictured far right of the render).

Clear I think looks better than blue - however how difficult would it have been to get the same colour / tone as the stone used in the GPO building itself? Or would keeping a contrast be better than trying to blend?

Contrast is better then blend, but I still wish they had completed the Elizabeth St facade. Sort of like this, but a hell of a lot better!

http://img8.imageshack.us/img8/8002/gpo3.jpg

Contrast is better then blend, but I still wish they had completed the Elizabeth St facade. Sort of like this, but a hell of a lot better!

http://img8.imageshack.us/img8/8002/gpo3.jpg

yeah i reakin they should have done a design farcade that morphed! till it was just plain concrete or something strange

Contrast is better then blend, but I still wish they had completed the Elizabeth St facade. Sort of like this, but a hell of a lot better!

http://img8.imageshack.us/img8/8002/gpo3.jpg
Im with you a hundred percent on this one and while at it will someone ever have the balls to finish off our maginficent Parliament House building?

From Channel 9

http://members.iinet.net.au/~tayser/msoc8.jpg

http://members.iinet.net.au/~tayser/msoc9.jpg

Now this is what I call a great restoration, redevelopment and reuse of a wonderful building. Pitty the Elizabeth Street facade will not be completed with this project, but they have set the main structure back from Elizabeth Street allowing the completion of the facade in the future. :D

almost the exact same shot as silvermb but heh!

http://members.optusnet.com.au/~wadad/mypic105.jpg

"oh dear"

http://www.theage.com.au/ffximage/2004/07/01/gal_GPO.jpg

^^ lol

apparently, it'll be (http://www.theage.com.au/articles/2004/07/01/1088488090547.html) ready to open in a month.

^^ WARNING: lots of tosser talk in that article

You said it tayser tosser/bullshit talk alright!

open in a month, just like YA MUM HEY TAYS?

What a silly article!

But I did like this

http://www.theage.com.au/ffxmedia/gpo_graphic,0.jpg

The ABC Store in the GPO is now open! You enter from Little Bourke Street and you can see some of the new and old in this wonderful redevelopment.

Yes and its great! good to see something other than the warehouse/laneway styling that everyone in the city is going with. The mordern mixed with heritage is something we dont have too much of and has a lot of character

How's the Galleria redevelopment going? Who have they got to fill the ABC shop premises? Collins Place is nearly done and looking good!

http://www.melbournephotos.net/pics/2004-08-28%20Melbourne%20-%20Kings%20Domain,%20Fed%20Sq,%20Flinders%20Lane%20and%20Rialto%20obs%20deck/IMG_4076.jpg

^^ Great. How good is 250E looking!?!"oh dear"

http://www.theage.com.au/ffximage/2004/07/01/gal_GPO.jpg
Oh dear indeed. How suggestive is that! Big shlong between her spread legs giving her a tit bonk!!

maybe when her 200 ft girlfriend arrives we will get some girl on girl action on the Bolte Bridge???

What time is love?

Gee guys. Please try and keep this discussion clean. Trashy talk is realy off putting!

It's all him *points at Muse*, all him.

:)

back on topic: I havenae been down BSM in ages, from Dan's pic it looks like the boards have come down along Elizabeth Street - same on Bourke street?

All the boards along the Mall were removed a few weeks ago and about 1/2 the boards along Elizabeth St are also gone. You can clearly see the new extension (not bad, but not good either). I guess they are doin some restoration work on the facade as the scafolding is still up and doesn't look like it will come down any time soon. Mind you, I think the whole facade needs a restoration job!

Gee guys. Please try and keep this discussion clean. Trashy talk is realy off putting!Oh Aussie Steve :|, that's a matter of opinion. Try to keep an open mind - and that's not too hard, is it?.
BTW I love trashy talk.

@ tayser. LOL in regard to your last post; yes it's all my fault!


maybe when her 200 ft girlfriend arrives we will get some girl on girl action on the Bolte Bridge???Oh, you str8 boys crack me up with your penchant of seeing girl-on-girl action. The only pics I have come across in regard to this are too pornographic to post pics of.

However in the meantime, this looks like a good contender even though she looks taller than 50ft. The highway below even kinda looks like the freeway leading off from the Bolte Bridge to its north:

______________________http://www.bmovies.de/filme/50foot/plakat.jpg

BTW I love trashy talk.


C'mon. Call me now. 1900-666-Oh.Oh.Ohhhhh - Feel Triple XXX Rated...

we kinda figured that. filth. :D

anyhow, TOPIC, back to it ;)

Latest news.
http://www.theage.com.au/articles/2004/09/05/1094322642856.html

Grand old lady plays host
By Ray Gill
September 6, 2004


Once a gloomy postal hall, now lit through pristine off-white paint, the core of the refurbished GPO in Bourke Street was the setting yesterday for the opening of Melbourne Spring Fashion Week.

With ascending galleries around a central hall topped by a canopy of skylights, the new GPO centre, which will open in stages, has been compared to the Queen Victoria Building in Sydney. With another high-end retail drawcard - David Jones' refurbished food hall - set to reopen to the public this morning, Melbourne City Council is hoping that the GPO will help revitalise the heart of the city for shoppers.

It is almost three years since a fire, sparked by an electrical fault, broke out in the early hours of September 10, 2001. The blaze damaged much of the interior of the historic building. Much of the plasterwork was destroyed, leaving a shell of the heritage-listed building that had stood on the corner of Bourke and Elizabeth streets since the gold rush days of 1867. At yesterday's launch, 450 guests crammed around the catwalk, separated by glass panels from the spaces that will be filled with designer shops and restaurants
More than 80 events are scheduled this week. The main venue is the Flower House at Federation Square. Other venues include MDFI (the Melbourne Design and Fashion Incubator in Melbourne Central) and F4 at 322 Little Collins Street.

http://www.theage.com.au/ffximage/2004/09/05/scanlan_theodore_wideweb__430x232.jpg

The web site has been updated and so has the GPO. It looks amazing from the inside. I know these pics (mobile phone camera) don't do it justice, but I had to show you guys.

http://img42.exs.cx/img42/8306/Image345.jpg

http://img42.exs.cx/img42/2617/Image347.jpg

http://img42.exs.cx/img42/79/Image036.jpg

http://img42.exs.cx/img42/1715/Image037.jpg

http://img42.exs.cx/img42/654/Image038.jpg

They even managed to finish the facade as I had always hoped!
http://img42.exs.cx/img42/9931/GPO.jpg

And just in case you wanted a reminder about the damage caused by the fire, here it is...

http://img42.exs.cx/img42/606/GPOFire.jpg

Very nice. Looks like there is still a little finishing off they are still doing though.
stu

Looking awesome just another feather in the "old girls cap" Marvelous Melbourne all over again.

The GPO opened to the public this week. and i went to check it out today. Only some of the retail is open and alot of the finishing touches are still being done and the upper levels are yet to open.. but in one word.

Beautiful.

The old postal hall has been beautifully restored (all white) and the ceiling is great which allows plenty of light in. The stores that are open are very up market and i can already see some funky mens clothes shops which ill be checking out shortly - apart from the dozens of chicks clothes/hair & beauty stores.. i think once its all done there'll be 100 specaillty shops in the complex.

The details in the column capitals and ceiling etc. is awesome and the lovely marble floors make it a very swank and elegant place to shop. should be a winner

The CBD renaissance continues with GPO, Melbourne Central, QV, Galleria, SX Station amongst others coming on line. The city is really buzzing

Cheers

Dean - Melbourne

http://www.melbournephotos.net/pics/2004-09-20%20Melbourne%20-%20Inside%20the%20new%20GPO/IMG_1105.jpg

http://www.melbournephotos.net/pics/2004-09-20%20Melbourne%20-%20Inside%20the%20new%20GPO/IMG_1124.jpg

http://www.melbournephotos.net/pics/2004-09-20%20Melbourne%20-%20Inside%20the%20new%20GPO/IMG_1108.jpg

Its so pretty :)

Looking sen farken sational cant wait to see it in person.

hmmm will have to check it out looking good!

Pure Me!bourne ;-)

Good for chicks really - but nice

Mr B, I am not a "chick" and I will be shopping there. Its not only a shopping mall for "chicks" or what I like to call the other sex "women", its also for the men like you and I Mr B!

IMO its just the right size. It feels like one of melbournes little arcades.
It looks too expencive for me :)

i went in for a squizz, and i report that: blabby likes! the interior is a gem, and i like the bright white much more than the heritage pink/beige that plagues the refurbs of too many sydney heritage buildings. it is reminscent of the strand arcade in sydney, but roomier. the new addition is actually pretty good, in high contrast to the historic part, which means that one day, maybe, it can be demolished and the building completed! (dream on, but the point is, the option is there). apart from that, the new part also looks damn good IMHO - it really looks a lot like its render, especially when you're standing at its base and look up over the overhanging bits.

ps - there seemed to be a few good mens outfitters. (for a-brain) :D

Grand dame re-emerges as a fashion hub (http://www.theage.com.au/articles/2004/09/24/1095961861443.html?oneclick=true)
The Age (www.theage.com.au)
25 September 2004

http://www.theage.com.au/ffximage/2004/09/24/change_melb2_wideweb__430x281.jpg
The guttered interior of the Melbourne GPO following the fire which destroyed the main hall.
Photo: Simon Schluter

Two of the city's most famous landmarks - the GPO and the former Herald edifice - are undergoing a renaissance, writes Helen Westerman.

Three years ago, developer Adam Garrisson ducked under police cordons to stand in the fire-ravaged Melbourne GPO. He felt sick.

The blaze had significantly damaged the heritage-listed grand dame of Bourke Street, which he and fellow developer Morry Schwartz had recently won the right to redevelop.

Before him was a blackened, sodden mess, the 19th century plasterwork in its main hall destroyed by a blaze begun by a short circuit in a computer terminal.

But in the past few weeks the $95 million redevelopment of the Melbourne GPO - with its shops, restaurants and bars - has been gradually revealed.

Today, the restored arches and colonnade in the main former postal hall gleam white under natural light from latticed skylights.

Bluestone has replaced concrete on the floor, while the freshly washed sandstone facade has reappeared from behind the scaffoldings.

Heritage Council Victoria says the GPO is one of the state's most important public buildings.

The external design of the building caused controversy in 1859 when the winners of a design competition were overlooked by the government for the second placegetters. It was redesigned in 1919 by Walter Burley Griffin.

By 1992, Australia Post had flagged the end of its use as a GPO and suggested it may be sold.

Subsequent proposals for a shopping centre and a hotel did not go ahead. Then came the fire.

The restoration job was painstaking. A team, including heritage architects Williams Boag and architect Peter Williams, from Williams Burke, scoured the State Library and National Trust for records and photographs.

Just enough of the original work had survived. "There were enough bits left intact to crack mouldings and recreate them from photographs," Mr Garrisson said.

In a few weeks, the clock bells will also begin operating again.

The revamp now faces its first public test of approval.

Among the retailers already open include David Lawrence, Karen Millen England, Leona Edmiston, Georg Jensen, and Lella Smith.

By the end of next week, top end outlets Belinda, Akira, Wayne Cooper, Lisa Ho, Zimmermann and Breathless will also be there.

The third floor containing restaurant, bar and function areas is still under construction. A spa is expected to be completed by December.

The decision to begin trading while unfinished was set by the QV centre on Lonsdale Street, where shoppers browsed amid the sounds of power tools.

However, Mr Garrisson doesn't believe shoppers will be put off.

"People have been very keen to get in and see what's happening," he said.

"We could have opened much earlier but our goal was to get the fashion up and trading before spring and that's what we're doing."

http://www.theage.com.au/ffximage/2004/09/24/change_melb1_narrowweb__200x295.jpg
Photo:Wayne Taylor
The former Melbourne GPO, restored after being severely damaged by fire. Shops have begun to open, and soon the redevelopment will feature bars and restaurants, and space for functions.

I would love to see some pics from the outside of the facade with the scaffolding down now! I haven't got the chance to visit the City for a little while and I would appreciate of someone may oblige :D

stu

I don't think all the scafolding is down. I am certain they are still working on the central area of the Elizabeth St facade. I think the artice was realy talking about the hordings not the scafolding.

K, thanks for clarification, was getting a bit exited there (love the facade of the GPO and want to see it in restored glory soooo badly ;))
stu

I might as well add my two cents worth.
I agree with what nearly everyone is saying in that the exterior of this building should have been completed the way it was intended to be, but what we ended up with is not bad at all.
I love the interior, the way the shops are arranged work well if you are casually walking through and the upmarket selection of retailers really suits the GPO!
I’d give this development 8/10. :D

Below are photographs I took recently of the interior.

http://www.thecollectormm.com/gallery/photography/City/slides/GPO1.jpg

http://www.thecollectormm.com/gallery/photography/City/slides/GPO2.jpg

I thought they did finish off the exterior
Or is the picture from Page 4 a (really well done) Photoshop job?

http://img42.exs.cx/img42/9931/GPO.jpg

This pic was done by me.

Its a dream!

Had squize today and its not too bad but not in league as the QVB in Sydney a bit austere and bland for my liking.

This is what the GPO would have looked like if it was completed!
http://www.slv.vic.gov.au/miscpics/0/0/5/im/mp005308.jpg

Bugger

Had squize today and its not too bad but not in league as the QVB in Sydney a bit austere and bland for my liking.
The QVB is much larger, of course, and is across 3 levels with an interior dome. But IMHO the white is awesome - sterile, bland, you say - i say: oh yeah, that's the way we like it! elegant, stylish - it's soooo melbourne! QVB isn't a patch on this, especially with its granny beige colour scheme!

The QVB is much larger, of course, and is across 3 levels with an interior dome. But IMHO the white is awesome - sterile, bland, you say - i say: oh yeah, that's the way we like it! elegant, stylish - it's soooo melbourne! QVB isn't a patch on this, especially with its granny beige colour scheme!
Dont get your knickers in a twist BB dont forget Im from Melbourne but I was just stating it as I saw it and yeah the "sterile white look " is maybe a Melbourne thing but to me its not a patch on the way the QVB was beautifully restored. BTW It might become another "Georges" ( which also had that modern sterile treatment after its refurb) if it dosent attract more customers that it had today.

http://www.thecollectormm.com/gallery/photography/City/slides/GPO3.jpg
This little café they have recently opened on the corner of The GPO at Elizabeth and Bourke Streets is great!
Soooooo Melbourne! :cool:

Dont get your knickers in a twist BB dont forget Im from Melbourne but I was just stating it as I saw it and yeah the "sterile white look " is maybe a Melbourne thing but to me its not a patch on the way the QVB was beautifully restored.

the "sterile white look" is apparently an accurate reflection on how interiors were presented at the time the GPO was built. it's actually meant to be a true restoration of the original colour (or lack thereof).

some photos of GPO taken last week.

The interior is very white, but I guess it gives more emphasis to the shops.
Doesn't look too bad.

http://www.bonsaisite.com/towers/gpo/1.jpg

http://www.bonsaisite.com/towers/gpo/2.jpg

http://www.bonsaisite.com/towers/gpo/3.jpg

Great shots there DrDan! :)

Does anyone know what is being built in GPO Lane?
It looks like a row of single storey shops.

The old postal lane will have cafe's and restuarants etc... they should be up and running soon.