Schonell Theatre and Geoffrey Rush Drama Studio

The Schonell Theatre and Geoffrey Rush Drama Studio were temporarily closed in May 2021 to remove asbestos dust and for essential electrical and fire safety assessments.

Given the planned redevelopment of the Union Complex, the University and UQU have agreed that it is not viable to reopen the Schonell Theatre and Geoffrey Rush Drama Studio prior to the redevelopment of the Complex.

The Schonell Theatre will remain a central part of the redevelopment and a space free from censorship for student-led and community performances.

While the theatre remains closed, the University will work with student groups to find suitable alternative performance space.

We apologise for the inconvenience the continued closure has caused for patrons and users of these venues, and we thank our community for their co-operation and understanding.

Read more about the Union Complex redevelopment here.

Updated: 29 March 2022

Decision to close

The presence of asbestos dust escalated health and fire safety concerns and prompted the decision to close the Schonell Theatre and Geoffrey Rush Drama Studio so that cleaning and further assessments could be undertaken safely. 

Health and safety work underway

Substantial work has been completed by BBM Contracts to remove the asbestos dust in the lower levels of the theatre. In addition, UGL and Grosvenor Engineering have completed the electrical and fire safety infrastructure inspections.

Regular air monitoring in the theatre is continuing - with no asbestos detected in the air.  

The other areas, services and retailers in the union complex are not affected.

The Pizza Caffe is open and Chatime has been relocated within the union complex and is open.

Proactive asbestos management

The University’s proactive Asbestos Management Plan includes the Schonell Theatre. Measures to seal and contain the asbestos in the theatre have been in place for many years.

As part of this plan, regular air monitoring has been undertaken within the Schonell Theatre since 2019, with no asbestos detected in the air. 

During routine inspections in mid-April 2021, it was noted that asbestos containment measures were starting to be compromised and that dust was present on some surfaces. This dust was then tested, and an assessment of the electrical infrastructure was commissioned.

ELS tested dust samples on 22 April, 27 April and 7 May, and detected asbestos dust in 16 locations. ELS also tested the air quality – no asbestos was detected.

The report from ELS on May 12 recommended remediation work was needed to clean the theatre, including decontaminating accessible surfaces, structures, and walls, and disposing of asbestos-contaminated items.

ELS also confirmed there is no health risk for those who have visited the theatre previously.

UGL inspected the theatre’s electrical infrastructure on 13 May and recommended that occupants be removed immediately and that detailed inspection and/or rectifications of the electrical infrastructure be undertaken.

UQ COO and UQU President briefing for members of the community located in Schonell and surrounding buildings on 19 May 2021

  Watch the video

Geoffrey Rush Drama Studio

The School of Communication and Arts have relocated classes previously held in the Drama Studio. Please contact communication-arts@uq.edu.au for further information.

Schonell Theatre bookings

While the Schonell Theatre remains closed, the University and UQU will maintain its support for student-led performances. Please contact schonell.theatre@uqu.com.au.

UQ COO and UQU President briefing for members of the community located in Schonell and surrounding buildings on 19 May 2021

 Watch the video

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