NZ visual diary - entry 79

Old Central Post Office - detail

After a multi-year renovation effort of both the interior and exterior portions of the building, including a massive engineering feat to create the subterranean connection to Auckland's CityRail [hybrid subway] project, restoration work on the Old Central Post Office has been completed. The exterior wrapping has been lifted and the rabbit warren of scaffolding is being disassembled and carted away.

Kiwis have waited a long time (2+ years) for the completion of the restoration work on the western facade (the main entrance), this after a four-year hiatus during which the building's interior was closed due to the extensive construction work inside and below the building. It is understandably slow and exacting labour.

Our patience has been rewarded. As is handsomely the case with the building's interior, the restored western facade is gorgeous.

The building is now home to the Britomart Transport Centre, more commonly referred to as Britomart Train Station, the central terminal of Auckland's public transport system.

The image here captures the northern edge of the western facade.