New life for Bathurst’s Old Post Office
Bathurst’s Old Post Office will have new life and a new mission.
The City of Bathurst has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with a newly formed non-profit organization that has as its objective the preservation of the Old Bathurst Post Office for use as a culturally oriented community centre on the main floor, available for public and private groups, and rental offices on the upper level.
Old Bathurst Post Office Preservation Project Ltd., formed by a citizen group, many of which are members of the Bathurst Rotary Club, will develop a detailed business plan and a preservation plan that will focus on extending the life of the building, as well as preserving and enhancing the character of the facility. "We are pleased the City of Bathurst has chosen to partner with our group and we look forward to completing the preservation project for the benefit of all concerned," said Brian Hoffman, spokesperson for the non-profit organization.
The Old Bathurst Post Office, located at the corner of Main Street and Douglas Avenue and designed by Thomas Fuller, the country's chief architect of the time, was built between 1881 and 1886, one of 81 unique and individually designed post offices constructed as part of a government initiative carried out between 1881 and 1896. The building served as a Post Office and Customs House until 1959, then as an armoury for the 2nd Battalion Royal New Brunswick Regiment. In 1997, the historic building was gifted to the city of Bathurst. It has been vacant for a number of years.
“When we were presented with a proposal that would bring new life to the building, establish a center that could become a prime location to showcase culture and our history, as well as become once again a key component in the Downtown area, we were obviously interested. This building’s history is so rich. Over the span of generations, the Old Post Office was the beating heart of the city of Bathurst. And now, it will have a new life, a new mission. We’re very enthusiastic at its future potential,” said Mayor Kim Chamberlain.
FIRST DONATION BY BATHURST ROTARY CLUB
The Bathurst Rotary Club has committed a $50,000 donation, $10,000 per year over five years, to Old Bathurst Post Office Preservation Project Ltd. to commence its work. “We are a group that is committed to having a positive impact in the community. We are proud to support this project, one that has historical, cultural and social importance”, said Rotary Club President Peter Assaff.
PRESS_RELEASE_-_2023-05-29_-_Bathurst_-_New_Life_for_Old_Post_Office.pdf