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Pyrmont Post Office

The first building on this site was erected in 1840, and in 1852 it became Pyrmont’s post office.  It was on the veranda of this building that stonemasons met to form Australia’s first trade union in 1855 (which may be why Union Square was so named).  The extended and renovated Post Office re-opened in 1901.  It was designed by Walter Vernon, and is so distinctive in its Federation Free Style architecture and building materials that it is a natural landmark. That eminence was enhanced by the closure of Union Street to most traffic in 1998, and the relocation of the War Memorial.

When the building was unable to provide disability access without disturbing its heritage value, the postal service moved to more conventional premises in Harris Street. The new Pyrmont Community Bank leased the building in 2009 and preserved its heritage values, but surrendered its lease in 2019, for more suitable premises in Darling Harbour.

Related Items

• Pyrmont and Ultimo War Memorial

• Stonemasons

• Union Square

• Walter Vernon