Approval for overhaul of GPO building

City planners have granted permission for an overhaul to the General Post Office building on Eglinton Street.

They have approved plans for new canopy, wheelchair access and an internal refurbishment of the building, which was constructed in 1960.

However, the City Council refused permission for the removal of tiling to the front and side of the building after its Heritage Officer described them as “iconic features”.

Last year, An Post applied for permission for a series of alterations to the building, including:
■ Demolition of the existing canopy
■ Removal of all wall cladding tiles
■ Demolition of existing stepped entrance
■ New granite stone cladding
■ New windows
■ New level access main entrance and wheelchair ramp to the side

Internally, the plan is to remove the lobby features, the public counter area and a number of internal office walls, and to extend the public area towards the rear of the building.

“The proposed development has taken into consideration the surrounding retail properties and its existing built form in the material alteration of the façade cladding. The proposed works upgrades the existing facility to meet current regulation standards, while creating a more efficient space for the staff and public.

“The internal alterations proposed attempt to sensitively adapt the existing building in order to meet the current user’s growing needs and ensure the building continues to function as a Post Office in the future.

“It is considered that this can be achieved with minimal impact in existing or important historic building fabric. The alterations are seen simply as changes required to allow the original features remain at this location and avoid a new use being imposed on the building.

“As such, there is no negative impact of works on the significance of the building or on the architectural value of the building,” the application reads.

However, An Post subsequently scaled-back the proposed works for the tiling – which will now involve cleaning and repairs – following concerns from Galway City Council.

Dr Jim Higgins, Heritage Officer with the City Council said: “The building has various iconic features and is in Modern international Movement style. The tiles, canopy and other features are all extremely important and diagnostic, as well as iconic features of the frontage of the building.

“The building is at the moment in effect a candidate Protected Structure. It is among a list of buildings which are deemed of sufficient significance and importance to be included by the Architectural Advisory Services on a list of proposed additions.

“The proposals would lead to the destruction of some of the most attractive and iconic features of the building and I would be completely opposed to permission being granted for the carrying out of such works,” said Dr Higgins.