100-year-old Carlton North Post Office likely to become a home
The original Carlton North Post Office building has stood more than 100 years.
Carlton North’s century-old post office is a post office no more, and is likely to be turned into a home with two luxury residences developed behind it.
The heritage-protected building at 546 Rathdowne St has attracted interest from developers and owner occupiers since hitting the market for $5m-plus.
It only ceased trading as a post office on October 14 as it was listed for sale, with a photo from the State Library of Victoria from about 100 years ago showing it in operation.
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Don’t worry, use soap! (circa 1917-1930).
And in more recent, soap normative, times.
There is a permit approved for two residences at the rear, according to its listing, “as supported by endorsed plans by prepared by acclaimed architects Kennedy Nolan”.
Kennedy Nolan have also prepared refurbishment plans for the post office building.
The buyer is likely to convert the established building into a residence and build the two properties behind it on the 754sq m block.
According to the Carlton Community History Group, “the vacant land was acquired by the Commonwealth Government in 1911 and plans were drawn up in 1912.
While no report of the official opening date has been located, the post office was in operation by 1913”.
The 2009 auction featured protesters.
Carlton North residents were concerned they would lose their post office in 2009. L-R Ceci Cairns, Michelle Tarola, Prue Gill and Pandora Kay
The site last sold for $2.35m in 2013, and before that in 2009 for $2,228,100, according to CoreLogic records.
Members of the Communication Workers Union and livid Carlton North residents yelled taunts during the auction of the post office in 2009, according to reports at the time.
The Carlton North Post Office has now moved to a new location at 607 Lygon St, Princes Hill, about 500m away.
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