CPO Building

The CPO opened in 1912 to replace the overcrowded Shortland Street Post Office, and was designed to accommodate postal, telegraph, banking facilities and services to pay old age pensions.

The site was chosen in 1907 because it was Crown land and a busy area of the city close to the railway and port.  Its design is attributed to John Campbell the government architect of the day and the builders were J. & W. Jamieson of Christchurch.

Built with Coromandel granite and Oamaru stone, the 280 reinforced concrete blocks provided the foundation for the massive building.  Two arches were erected on the roads on either side of the building to access the railway station.

The CPO was closed as a post office in 1992 and the building was left empty and allowed to deteriorate.

To further plans to develop the area as an improved transport interchange with a new underground railway station, the Auckland City Council purchased the building in 1995.

Restoration:

Full restoration of the lobby and 3 upper levels into a modern commercial office.
Works included:

• Restoration of mosaic tiled floor and glazed wall tiles;
• Sliding glass doors to three entrance arches.
• Stairs refurbished
• Original glazed timber salvaged
• Architect – Jasmax
• Heritage Architect – Salmond Reed Architects
• Project Manager – Carson Group
• Head Contractor – Multiplex Constructions (NZ) Limited
• ACC Heritage – Ian Grant