DCC To Explore Chief Office Opportunity

An opportunity to revitalise the Exchange area in Lower Princes Street and explore the possible relocation of the central Moray Place Library is behind the DCC's confirmed interest in the old Chief Post Office building.

The DCC has signed a joint venture feasibility agreement with the building's present owners, South Canterbury Finance, to investigate the CPO's potential.

The study, which is expected to take up to six months to complete, will test the suitability of the building and the site against the demand for new premises for the Library and its future requirements, and has the full support of the Library's management. It will also identify and evaluate possible uses for the current Library building.

It is hoped that the CPO's ground floor foyer and historic features will offer an impressive main street address for the Library together with ample space to provide for the increasing demands of a modern library and its users.

Additionally, the development of the old CPO would add another dimension to a growing heritage precinct which already includes the OSM, Chinese Garden and Railway Station with easy pedestrian access from the Octagon along Princes Street.

The existing transportation routes and bus services to and around the Exchange area reflect the area's historic and heritage public space attractions. The site offers extensive current parking and the potential for extending parking provisions.

Mayor Peter Chin said: "This joint venture with SCF allows us to explore the concept of using one of Dunedin's most cherished buildings and measuring it against the city's need for a new library space."

"The CPO was originally designed as a public building and there will be many in the community who will welcome this initiative to make practical use of a still sound and useful building for delivering an important community service like the city library - in the delivery of which Dunedin has led the country for more than a century.

"Any relocation of the Library will also allow for the commercial development of the existing Library site on a prime central city site."

SCF's board has indicated in talks with the Council that they fully support the DCC's initiative and they, too, are committed to preserving the CPO building as a useful facility for the community.

Contact details

Contact DCC on 477 4000.

Last reviewed: 20 Jul 2009 2:12pm