Freefield post office could move to redeveloped Home Furnishing building
THE FREEFIELD Post Office in Lerwick could move to the Home Furnishing building as part of a redevelopment of the property.
Postmaster Brian Smith said the main reason why he sought new premises was due to the lack of accessibility in the current building.
Speaking to Shetland News, he confirmed that the plan would be to continue selling Home Furnishing’s products.
The Home Furnishing building on Commercial Road was put on the market last year.
Under Smith’s plans the Post Office service would be located upstairs in the building, where the current customer counter is, and some new items from his Clocktower business like art supplies would initially be added downstairs.
To begin with the post office would be the first to move from the existing Freefield premises within the Toll Clock Shopping Centre. Smith is said to continue the lease of the premises with cards business staying there in the meantime. It could be into July before any move is made.
The Post Office is now consulting on the proposed move of the Freefield office.
It said the relocation of Freefield would “enable us to maintain a post office service to our customers in the local community”.
“The Post Office area would be on the first floor, which can be accessed by stairs from the ground floor,” it said.
“However, an alternative entrance is via the dedicated customer carpark at the rear of the premises.
“This provides direct level access to the first floor, where the Post Office area would be based.
“We propose that this would be the main Post Office entrance for customers.
Help keep Shetland’s news open to everyone
Good local journalism takes time, care and people on the ground. Membership helps us keep reporting the stories that matter to Shetland — and keep them free for everyone to read. Members get a weekly newsletter created especially for them, local ads only, and can bookmark stories and join the conversation in the comments.
Already a member? Sign in.
“There would be three Post Office serving positions: one screened and two open plan.”
The same range of postal products and services would still be available and the opening hours would remain as Monday to Saturday, 9am to 5.30pm.
Customers can share their views during the consultation online with the branch code 112849.
Submissions can also be made via email to comments@postoffice.co.uk, by post to Freepost YOUR COMMENTS, or by telephone 03452 66 01 15 or Textphone 03457 22 33 55. The consultation closes on 18 April.
Keep Shetland’s news open to everyone
Your membership helps us report the stories that matter to Shetland — and keep them free for everyone to read.
