Chief Post Office, Britomart
Cooper and Company
Setting a new benchmark for sustainable heritage redevelopment.
The Chief Post Office (CPO) is one of Auckland’s most recognisable heritage buildings. Completed in 1912 and designed in the grand Imperial Baroque style, it served as one of New Zealand’s largest and busiest post offices for more than 80 years.
Following the closure of postal operations in the 1990s, the building was converted into the Britomart Transport Centre in the early 2000s. While parts remained in public use, the upper levels sat largely vacant, presenting an opportunity to reimagine the historic structure.
In 2026, Cooper and Company completed a major revitalisation of the category 1 listed heritage building, creating 5,500 sqm of premium office space and new civic areas while restoring its heritage features and improving its environmental performance.
TSA Riley provided project and design management services for the complex redevelopment. Working closely with the client, design team and contractor, we led design meetings, managed the master programme and key milestones, and helped develop solutions that responded to the building’s unique constraints and character.
Redevelopment
The project included base build upgrades across Levels 1–3, refurbishment of key spaces , and restoration of original features. Past additions that detracted from the building’s character were removed, and a new glass-roofed atrium brought natural light deep into the building.
The redevelopment balanced heritage restoration with contemporary design. New steel-framed archway entrance doors replaced previous additions, while a bespoke 14-metre chandelier was installed above the heritage stairwell.
Across the office floors, dropped ceilings from the early 2000s were removed to reveal original columns, cornices and intricate detailing. Building services were integrated into discreet linear zones, allowing heritage features to take centre stage.
Green Star certification
Sustainability was a key part of the redevelopment, but adapting protected heritage buildings to meet modern performance standards is complex. Structural limitations, outdated systems, protected features and access constraints often limit options, while legacy materials can be difficult to identify and quantify, making carbon performance harder to measure.
Despite these challenges, CPO became New Zealand's first heritage building to achieve a 6-Star Green Star rating in June 2026. Key features included high-efficiency lighting, heating and ventilation, and extensive use of sustainable, low-emissions materials. More than 80% of construction waste was diverted from landfills.
Its location above Waitematā Station and the addition of bicycle parking on Tyler St also contributed to the rating by supporting sustainable transport choices.
Outcome
The CPO redevelopment sets a new benchmark for how heritage buildings can be respectfully and sustainably adapted for modern use. Our team is proud to have contributed to a project that successfully balances heritage preservation with contemporary design and performance.
