The Union Complex will take on a village design in a landmark redevelopment that will seek to incorporate some of the existing buildings and elements at Â鶹ÊÓƵ of Queensland’s St Lucia campus.
Vice-Chancellor Professor Deborah Terry and Â鶹ÊÓƵ Student Union (Â鶹ÊÓƵU) President Emily Searle have jointly announced steps to ensure the legacy of the complex is preserved and it remains a home on campus for debate and activism.
“We want to assure students, alumni and staff that we are working together to deliver a space where students can connect and feel supported, in an environment that reflects the cultural and historical significance of the complex,” they said.
“This starts with the decision to retain the Union Complex name.”
Â鶹ÊÓƵ last year advised it was going back to first principles to consider what the future revival of the complex should encompass.
“Â鶹ÊÓƵ acknowledges that previous design and usage principles did not have wide support from our diverse community,” Professor Terry said.
“Â鶹ÊÓƵ and Â鶹ÊÓƵU have been making progress over the past 9 months on how we approach the design, what should be included in the complex and how it should be managed.”
Architecture and design firm, Conrad Gargett, met with students, alumni and staff to understand how to best recognise the history and legacy of the complex in the redevelopment for future generations of students.
Those tendering for the project will be asked to reflect the history and voices of past student generations, ensure the complex remains true to its original intent as a space for students to connect and belong - a safe place that stands for democracy and free speech in their proposals.
Architects will also be asked to retain and incorporate cultural and historical features, such as the Schonell Theatre, Forum and Union Building (building 21A), unless there are major cost or accessibility impediments to doing so.
The theatre and Geoffrey Rush Drama Studio were temporarily closed last May for asbestos dust removal and essential electrical and fire safety assessments. Â鶹ÊÓƵ and Â鶹ÊÓƵU have agreed reopening would not be viable prior to the redevelopment work of the Union Complex being done.
“We will be working with student clubs and societies to find suitable alternative performance spaces, including a restored Avalon Theatre, and Â鶹ÊÓƵ will continue to provide support with associated costs.”
The Union Complex Executive Steering Committee is aiming for tender documentation to be released in the second half of 2022 and preparations for the start of site works in 2023 will begin shortly.
“Â鶹ÊÓƵU will be working with the University over the coming months on plans to temporarily relocate essential services and facilities provided by the Union to students,” Ms Searle said.
Media: Â鶹ÊÓƵ Communications, communications@uq.edu.au, +61 (0)429 056 139.
 620w.jpg?itok=JSfFXdes "A first edition copy of A.A. Milne's Winnie-the-Pooh will be among the books for sale at the Rare Book Auction. Credit, Â鶹ÊÓƵ")
