Plans progress for Union Complex

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 The University of Queensland’s St Lucia campus.

Vice-Chancellor Professor Deborah Terry and UQ Student Union (UQU) 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.”

UQ last year advised it was going back to first principles to consider what the future revival of the complex should encompass.

“The University acknowledges that previous design and usage principles did not have wide support from our diverse community,” Professor Terry said.

“UQ and UQU 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. UQ and UQU 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 UQ 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.

“UQU 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: UQ Communications, communications@uq.edu.au, +61 (0)429 056 139.