Construction advances on UQ Ipswich campus

Construction has reached the half-way mark on the $16 million stage one of the University of Queensland's Ipswich campus, to open in February 1999 with an intake of 580 students.

Darra-based firm Hutchinson Builders was awarded the $11.5 million tender to adapt six existing buildings at the former Challinor Centre site, and create roadways, landscaped gardens and walkways between buildings.

The 25-hectare campus, which is 1.4km from the Ipswich city centre, has a history dating from 1878, with 17 buildings heritage-listed.

UQ Ipswich campus manager Warren Kerswill said construction was progressing according to the schedule set by the builders, with work expected to finish by late November 1998. Computing and teaching facilities would then be completed and academic staff would move on site.

Builders are working on the northern end of the UQ Ipswich campus, between Salisbury Road and Parker Avenue. New carparks and roadworks have been formed for a new main entry to the site from Salisbury Road.

The first cluster of buildings will house academic and shared teaching space, the Learning Resources Development Unit, library, one-stop student service centre, administrative areas, health service, student union, and other support services.

The first buildings rehabilitated for modern use are predominantly World War I and pre-World War II buildings constructed by the Department of Works. They include the former Ellen and Francis House (constructed 1955), the Staff Training Centre (1979), Dagmar House (1933), Byron House (1917), Clair House (1917) and the Sewing Room (1913).

"Work has taken place in all the stage one buildings and some services - including airconditioning, water and power - are being installed," he said.

"Academic offices are being prepared in a number of different formats to meet faculty requirements."

Mr Kerswill said some historical artefacts found as building work progressed would be preserved for possible inclusion in an historical museum relating to the site, formerly the Challinor Centre.

He said negotiations were proceeding with Ipswich City Council and Energex on construction and delivery of the water supply and power services to the UQ Ipswich site.

"We are also working with Ipswich City Council to identify bikepaths and walking paths to link with the adjoining Denmark Hill Nature Reserve and onto the Ipswich CBD," Mr Kerswill said.

Building 10 on the site has been identified as a temporary refectory and home for the Student Union and UQ Sport. The building will also be fitted out with change rooms for people using sporting facilities. It is anticipated that a bookshop will also operate from this building.

Mr Kerswill said the existing sporting oval would be upgraded and a multi-purpose court installed for volleyball, netball and basketball.

Planning has commenced for stage two, due for completion in November 1999. This will develop buildings in the centre of the site and create a "village" to serve as the social and administrative heart of the campus, which is expected to accommodate 2500 students by 2001.

Stage two covers about 12 buildings to be refurbished. It will incorporate more academic teaching facilities, academic offices and a student refectory. There may also be a commercial precinct.

Media: For further information, contact Mr Kerswill, telephone 07 3365 8225, mobile 0411 407 263.