Gatton heritage remediation program

The University of Queensland is undertaking a program of works to preserve and remediate significant heritage assets at the Gatton campus.

The Gatton heritage remediation program will address the condition, structural risks and ongoing maintenance needs of a number of heritage-listed buildings and structures across the campus.

The program reflects UQ's ongoing investment in the Gatton campus and aims to protect its heritage assets for the future and support the safe and continued use of buildings where appropriate.

About the program

The program provides a coordinated approach to planning and progressive delivery, with priorities determined by building condition, safety, heritage significance, operational requirements and available funding.

Projects range from make-safe and stabilisation works to more substantial heritage remediation. Works are being undertaken in accordance with relevant heritage requirements and approvals, with an emphasis on preserving significant heritage fabric and extending the useful life of these assets.

Remediation does not necessarily mean that every building will be fully refurbished or immediately returned to use. Future uses will be considered separately as planning progresses.

Heritage assets

The program currently includes remediation, investigation or planning for the following heritage assets:

Farm Square

Dating back to 1899, Farm Square is one of the earliest agricultural facilities at the Gatton campus. Originally developed as a horse stabling complex, its timber buildings and courtyard arrangement reflect the important role horses played in the College's early agricultural operations and practical teaching activities.

Heritage remediation works are underway including cladding, roofing, concrete and structural repairs.

Old Grandstand

Constructed in 1926–27, the Old Grandstand has been a prominent feature of sporting and recreational life at Gatton for almost a century. The timber structure overlooks the sporting oval and reflects the longstanding importance of sport, recreation and student participation in the College's history.

The Old Grandstand is moving into construction. The remediation will help preserve the Grandstand's significant visual and historic connection to sport and campus life at Gatton.

Mendel Barn

Believed to have been constructed during the 1920s, Mendel Barn is a traditional elevated timber agricultural building associated with the College's historical farming operations. Its distinctive timber construction and rural character contribute to the heritage significance of Gatton's agricultural landscape.

Remediation works at Mendel Barn are advanced and include roof and cladding works and structural stabilisation.

Pump House

Constructed in 1942 during the Second World War, the Pump House formed part of the water supply infrastructure developed to support the United States Army hospital established at Gatton. The facility played an important role in pumping water for treatment and storage, providing an important physical connection to the campus's wartime history.

Remediation of the Pump House is nearing completion. The works support the preservation of the World War II-era water infrastructure asset.

Wool Store

The Wool Store incorporates buildings originally constructed in 1943 as student dormitories during the Second World War. Following the war, the buildings were repurposed for wool classing and storage before being expanded in 1961 to support wool technology teaching, reflecting the evolution of agricultural education at Gatton.

Make-safe works and controlled access arrangements are the current focus for the Wool Store, while preliminary planning is undertaken.

Crow's Silo

Constructed in 1941 during the Second World War, Crow's Silo is the oldest surviving silo at the Gatton campus and forms part of the historic Farm Square precinct. The concrete structure, topped by a timber headhouse, is believed to have been used to store grain and other livestock feed, which was distributed to the adjoining horse stalls. The silo reflects the College's early agricultural operations and the important connection between practical farming activities and agricultural education.

Structural remediation options for Crow's Silo are being investigated.

Printery

Originally constructed in 1912 as the College's Dairy Factory, the building supported practical agricultural education and the development of dairy production skills. The facility was subsequently expanded during the 1920s and 1930s and later became known as the Printery, reflecting the changing operational needs of the campus.

Planning for the Printery is currently on hold, with no immediate construction activity planned.

Dwellings 26, 37 and 38

These historic timber buildings reflect the residential and educational development of the Gatton campus during the early twentieth century. Dwelling 26 was formerly the College foreman's residence, while Dwelling 37 is believed to have been constructed around 1912–13 as a teacher's residence and Dwelling 38 originally accommodated College View State School.

Planning for Dwellings 26, 37 and 38 is currently on hold, subject to further review. 

Potato Shed – Complete

The Potato Shed was built in 1946 as an 8-bay, timber structure, one metre below ground level to minimise crop losses caused by moisture and decay. Its proximity to the creek and its bunker-style construction made the shed prone to frequent flooding, resulting in significant structural deterioration. 

The condition of the building made retention unviable, and the structure has been removed.

Managing construction impacts

UQ and its contractors will aim to minimise disruption to the Gatton campus community while remediation works are underway.

As individual projects progress, temporary changes to pedestrian access, building access or surrounding areas may be required to allow works to be undertaken safely.

Information about significant construction activities and changes affecting the campus community will be communicated as works progress.