Australia Post opens first superstore in Tasmania

Australia Post officially opened Tasmania’s first postal superstore yesterday, in its 127-year-old post office building in Launceston. Following an investment of over $500,000 to transform the iconic heritage building, it will now provide customers with an unprecedented range of postal, financial, identity and online services all under the one roof.

Australia Post Regional Manager for Retail Services in Victoria and Tasmania, Roger Revere, said the design of the superstore took into account the changes in customers’ needs while also maintaining the integrity of the iconic building.

“The transformation of the post office building in Launceston is an important milestone for the Launceston community and we’re excited to bring a range of new products and services to residents and local businesses.

“Staying true to the building’s heritage, customers will be able to catch a glimpse of a by-gone era via a shining glass cube made of polished stainless steel and crystal clear glass. It provides a portal to view the way the site was originally used and appears to float through the clever use of reflective surfaces and subtle lighting,” said Mr Revere.

The superstore features five counters tailored to different customer needs, a self-service terminal and postal vending machine for those in a hurry as well as personal service for more specialised transactions such as financial and identity services.

To cater for the record numbers of Tasmanians shopping online, the Launceston superstore has dedicated 24/7 parcel lockers for post office box holders as well as a digital zone, so customers can shop online via iMacs and iPads.

Travel needs are taken care of with travel insurance and merchandise available in-store. From October, the Launceston Travel and Information Centre will also relocate within the heritage building to provide travel information to visitors in the region.

“We are delighted to see full postal services return to this important Launceston landmark. With the Launceston Travel and Information Centre located in the post office building, it will create an important hub and meeting place for residents and visitors alike,” said Launceston City Council Mayor Albert van Zetten.

“It’s a proud moment to see the heritage building returned to its former glory.” said Mr Don Wing, former Member Legislative Council.

“Australia Post has listened to the needs of the community by investing in this transformation and I’m pleased to have had the opportunity to play a part in this,” said Mr Wing.

The Launceston superstore comes after the Brisbane GPO opened as the nation’s first superstore in November and is one of 30 to be operating across Australia by the end of September this year.

The Launceston Post Office is located at the corner of Cameron Street and St John Street.