Multi purpose UQ Centre set for 2002 opening

A wide range of events including graduation ceremonies, UQ Study Expo, conferences and indoor sports events will be held in the $20 million UQ Centre complex to be opened at The University of Queensland's St Lucia campus in 2002.

Construction of the multi-function indoor centre, approved by the University's Senate, is scheduled to begin in April next year. The UQ Centre will be built on a 3500 square metre site currently occupied by an open-air carpark on Union Road, opposite the UQ SPORT building and with views across the hockey field to the Brisbane River.

Project architects Powell Dods and Thorpe have been appointed to the development, which will comprise two multi-purpose halls, a main hall with 2285 square metres of floorspace and a 504 square metre secondary hall. $11.5 million for the project has been sourced from outside the University, with the State Government providing $1.5 million.

The site will provide parking for 300 vehicles underneath and adjacent to the main building, while further parking for 400 cars will be available within a 400-metre radius of the UQ Centre. A glazed foyer and post-function space featuring a sandstone wall reminiscent of the University's Great Court will link the two halls.

The 56m x 38m x 10.5m main hall will accommodate 2500 visitors 1500 on retractable seating for graduation ceremonies, more than double the capacity of the current Mayne Hall venue. In addition to its primary role as a venue for graduations, expos and conferences, the hall configures as an indoor sporting venue, with space for three basketball or a tennis court and an elastic-sprung timber floor.

The 21m x 20m x 6m secondary hall will be primarily used as a major 550-seat lecture theatre. Retractable seating will be used for conferences and activities such as aerobics, dance and martial arts. Also included will be change rooms for several teams of athletes.

University of Queensland Vice-Chancellor Professor John Hay said the UQ Centre would fill a significant role at the St Lucia campus. "With its growth in student numbers and increase in its status for world-class research, the University is lacking a large facility equipped to accommodate major functions," he said.

For more information contact Brad Turner at UQ Communications on 3365 2659 or email: communications@mailbox.uq.edu.au.