GPO Building, South Frederick St, Glasgow, G1

The GPO Building has a rich and deep history spanning 130 years.

Richard Hobson became Glasgow’s postmaster in 1872.

His tenure of office saw the purchase of property in George Square to permit the extension of the General Post Office 1875-1878, and a significant increase in the number of Post Office staff employed in the city.

Designed by Robert Matheson and opened in 1878, the General Post Office in Glasgow immediately became the largest post office building in Scotland. 

The foundation-stone was laid by the Prince of Wales (who later became King Edward VII) on the 17th October, 1876.

Only the second building in the city to have electricity (after St Enoch Station), the General Post Office was the largest sorting office ever seen at that time. The building was also home to both the telegraph and telephone exchange services.

The Royal Mail moved out in 1995 and went to its new home in St Rollox. Our half of the building was developed in 2001 as apartments; the remaining half is soon to become offices. 

The land that is now occupied by the residential half on the building used to house The New Assembly and Concert Rooms.

Further images of building dating back to 1878 can be viewed below (each image opens in a separate window).