Cairns Post’s historic home is up for sale
THE Grand Dame is for sale.
The Cairns Post building, which has been home to the Far North’s premier source of news since 1909, will be listed for sale through expression of interest.
CBRE’s Danny Betros said the historic building, which boasts a heritage-listed blue on white facade, would suit “any number” of new purposes.
“This is hot off the press,” Mr Betros said.
“It is an intriguing one, it will suit an absolute multitude of uses, whether as a community building as part of the art precinct, a mix of commercial and retail, and there is a chance it could be looked at for residential consideration or a boutique hotel.
“It will go to market starting in a couple of weeks.”
The Cairns Post in its various mastheads experienced after several downfalls and resurrections dating back to 1882, first went to press in a timber shack in a muddy field on Lake Street.
The 1893 Depression forced the paper’s closure, but it was revived two years later, when the Cairns Morning Post entered the fray against
The Trinity Times, The Chronicle, The Advocate and The Daily Times.
The newspaper moved to its Abbott St home, designed by Harvey G Draper, in 1909.
One year later the Post was the last newspaper standing in Cairns.
In 2013 the Department of Environment and Heritage Protection prepared a report into the historical significance of the Abbott Street building.
“The Cairns Post Building, designed in a bold classical style, is important for its aesthetic value, evoking stability and permanence within the streetscape of Cairns’ central business district ... complements several classically styled former civic buildings ... including the former Court House and former Public Offices and the former Customs House,” the report read.
Cairns Post GM Andrew Reeves said despite the history and sentiment attached to the Abbott Street address, the building was no longer fit for purpose.
“After two years of consecutive growth we’re looking forward to moving all local Cairns staff to a new Cairns CBD location, that frankly is better suited to our needs,” Mr Reeves said.
“It’s a grand old Cairns building, with an iconic facade and is a wonderful space, but it no longer suits our purposes. It’s been wonderful working here but a new era awaits for us.”