Manly Post Office closed: Disability access delaying post office reopening

The post office on Central Avenue was among dozens of businesses flooded during wild weather in mid-March, and it has remained closed ever since, with customers forced to collect their mail in Dee Why.

Six sites for a temporary pop-up post office have been considered by Australia Post, but none have suitable disability access to comply with the Disability Discrimination Act.

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Among the locations to be considered were: 16 Belgrave Street; shop 5A at 13 Raglan Street; shop 1 and 2 at 45-47 North Steyne; and 38 The Corso.

The Northern Beaches Review understands the pop-up post office may now be cancelled in favour of repairing the flood-damaged one on Central Avenue.

John Cradock, from real estate service firm James Lang Lasalle - which looks after lease negotiations on behalf of Australia Post - said he's had "significant difficulties in finding a place that's suitable".

"All the tenancies have had difficulties with the Disability Discrimination Act compliance access," he said.

Mr Cradock said flood damage at the Central Avenue post office was more significant than expected, and asbestos has been discovered in the floor.

"Anything asbestos related usually pushes out the timeline," he said.

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As flood repairs continue, Mr Cradock said Australia Post was hopeful of being able to provide "as least some services" at the Central Avenue site in the future. He could not confirm which services or when this might occur.

He said Manly's commercial real estate costs were very high in comparison to other parts of Australia.

"It'd be one of the most expensive places we pay for rent," he said.

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To assist customers impacted by the Manly Post Office's closure, Australia Post has been offering free mail redirection to an address of their choosing.

In late April an Australia Post spokesman told the NBR that a pop-up post office would "open in the coming weeks".

On Friday, an Australia Post spokeswoman declined to provide an update on the pop-up shop and issued the following statement.

"We are working towards restoring parcel pick and PO Box services as soon as possible and we will keep the community informed of our progress," she said.

The NBR understands this will occur in mid June.

The spokeswoman said Australia Post apologises for the inconvenience the closure has caused.

"The site sustained significant damage and extensive repair work has been required to ensure the safety of our team and the community," she said.

"Australia Post remains focused on restoring Post Office services to Manly as soon as we can."

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