Union Complex redevelopment

A safe space for students and a home for debate and activism on campus.

Updated December 2023

The University and UQ Student Union (UQU) are working together on the redevelopment of the Union Complex at St Lucia, including on the design approach, inclusions and governance.

The redeveloped complex will maintain its legacy as a space where students can connect and feel safe and supported, and will remain a home for debate and activism on campus.

The Union Complex name will be kept, as will the village-style design. Where possible, existing elements of the Union Complex will be retained, including the Schonell Theatre, Forum and Union Building (21A).

Our community will be kept up to date throughout each phase of the project. 

Read the March 2022 UQ and UQU joint statement. (PDF, 194.5 KB)

Project timings

The redevelopment of the Union Complex will be carried out in stages over the coming years – helping to minimise the disruption to the community.

A timeline for the redevelopment works will be confirmed in the second half of 2024. In the meantime, the early works to prepare the complex for redevelopment will continue throughout 2024.

Design team appointed 

Australian architectural firm Lyons has been appointed to lead the development of the design for the Union Complex.

Lyons will lead a creative collaboration of local and national design firms including Hogg and Lamb, Atelier Chen Hung Architects, Alice Hampson Architects and CUSP Landscape – each bringing a wealth of expertise in student-focused projects and education sector experience. 

With a track record of refurbishing buildings from the 1950s, 60s and 70s, the team will be sensitive to the Union Complex’s history and respect its cultural significance. In addition, a number of the team’s members are UQ alumni. 

The design team will work with UQ and UQU to first develop a design blueprint that recognises the deep connection that UQU, students and alumni have with the complex, and will consult with key user groups as planning progresses.

Early works on the Schonell Theatre

The early works to the Schonell Theatre will continue in 2024.

UQ and the UQU made the decision to keep the Schonell Theatre and Geoffrey Rush Drama Studio closed after assessing reports on asbestos, electrical and fire-safety standards.

Access is restricted to appointed contractors involved in the safe removal of asbestos, electrical equipment, and fixtures; service re-routing; and other minor building works. During this time, no other persons are permitted to enter. 

The safety of our community and visitors is paramount. Asbestos removal work is being carried out safely by licenced professionals in line with relevant legislation. 

Safety measures include construction management plans, protective equipment, signage and barricades. Any asbestos-containing material is wrapped before being removed from the building for disposal.  

Disruption in the vicinity of the Schonell Theatre should be minimal as the majority of the work is inside the theatre.  

The Union Complex will remain open during these early works, as will vehicle access to Union Road and Campbell Place and parking in the area.  

When the theatre and drama studio closed, the University and UQU worked with student clubs and societies to find suitable alternative performance spaces and provided support with associated costs.  

The support provided includes restoring the Avalon Theatre on Sir Fred Schonell Drive for use as a teaching and performance space by students and the community. 

Acknowledging the past

The University announced it was going back to first principles on the project in 2021, acknowledging that previous design and usage principles did not have wide support from our diverse community.  

As part of this reset, the elected UQ Student Union President was made a member of the Union Complex Executive Steering Committee – the body responsible for guiding the redevelopment. 

At the time, architects Conrad Gargett met with students, alumni and staff to understand what the complex means to them and what experiences from the past should be reflected in the complex for future generations of students.  

Based on these discussions, the following principles were established to guide the project planning: 

  • The new complex must reflect the history and voices of past student generations. 
  • It must remain true to its original intent – a safe space for students to connect and belong. 
  • It must be a safe place that stands for democracy and free speech.  

Students from the UQ School of Architecture and Dr Don Watson also briefed the Committee on possible ways to adapt and re-use elements of the current complex.

Enquiries

For enquiries about these planned works, please contact pfassist@pf.uq.edu.au.