Old Marton post office up for sale
Marton’s former post office, a classical style building dominating the centre of the Rangitıkei town, is for sale.
The old post office was opened by Prime Minister Gordon Coates in 1927 and served the district until postal services were rationalised by the Government in the 1980s and historic post offices around New Zealand were closed.
But what was once a hive of activity, on the corner of Broadway and Hammond streets, has stood dormant for several years, and the former state-owned building’s overseas owner has called time.
It’s a little rundown with pigeons and sparrows running wild since the building’s abandonment, Property Brokers agent Wendy Wagner said.
Although, the category two historic building had a timeless allure, she said.
‘‘There’s some really cool parts to it. It’s a huge building – it just blows your mind how big it is.’’
It was partially renovated by a former owner, who earmarked the building as a potential site for a language school. As part of the renovation, all the old post boxes were transformed into classrooms, however, the project went by the wayside and the school never opened.
Wagner said the building could be used as urban housing, pop-up shops or continue development as a block of classrooms.
‘‘There are endless possibilities,’’ she said.
Parts of the building were strengthened in the 1970s, but that work has been outdated.
More than 35 Marton buildings were built before 1935 and the old post office will require seismic strengthening.
The Rangitıkei District Council has five years to identify such buildings and the new owner will have 15 years to strengthen.
The structure was also home to Marton’s only town clock, until it was taken down for repairs last year.
Many of its 1930s features are still intact.