UQ college to open landmark building

A landmark development setting new standards for university residential colleges will be officially opened by the Governor of Queensland Her Excellency Dr Penelope Wensley AC at UQ this Sunday, March 13.

The Centenary Building at King’s College, designed by Wilson Architects, will be home to 39 students and features five levels of state-of-the-art facilities and a design which promotes communal living and an environment conducive to academic pursuits.

Master and Chief Executive of King’s College Mr Greg Eddy said The Century Building marked a new phase for the college in a “physically symbolic” way in advance of its centenary in 2012.

“As we approached our second century our college council recognised we were going to have to continue to find new ways to be innovative and to differentiate ourselves from other residential colleges and other accommodation providers,” Mr Eddy said.

“The expectations of our students and their families are very high and we needed to ensure we had a facility that was going to be both highly functional for contemporary student living but also a signature building which fits well with all other aspects of our college.

“I am pleased to say The Centenary Building ticks all the boxes for us.”

In addition to the new building King’s is also opening The McCulloch Watson Terrace, named after prominent alumni Alf McCulloch and Sir Bruce Watson AC.

Mr McCulloch was an outstanding sportsman and student in the early years the college who interrupted his studies to serve on the Western Front.

Sir Bruce Watson was a legend of the Australian mining industry and the Chairman of the College Foundation when it launched its appeal to construct The Centenary Building in 2007.

The two men were cousins and through the generous donations of their families, the college was able to construct a terrace in their memory overlooking manicured lawns with picturesque views of the Brisbane River.

More than 400 students and guests are expected to attend the official opening of the buildings which will also feature an address by College Council President and Supreme Court judge Martin Daubney and a blessing by the Moderator-Elect of the Uniting Church in Australia (Queensland), Reverend Kaye Ronalds.

The event starts at 3pm on Sunday, March 13. Tours of the new additions will also be conducted on the day.

Media: Tom Cranitch at King’s College (07 3871 9826, 0437 045 799, t.cranitch@kings.uq.edu.au)