Mayne Hall restoration
The University is restoring Mayne Hall as a space for events, such as keynote lectures, music performances and graduations.
The investment will enhance the University’s cultural and events experience at St Lucia to coincide with the 100th anniversary of the Mayne Bequest and the Art Museum’s 50th anniversary.
Opened in 1973, it hosted major University events before becoming the UQ Art Museum in 2004.
At the same time, the University will invest in a purpose-built, architecturally designed art gallery for the UQ Art Museum, located in the iconic Forgan Smith Tower.
Restoration works commenced in early 2026, with the aim to open for graduations at the end of 2026.
The restored pipe organ, which stands 2 storeys high and consists of 3,283 pipes, will remain a feature in the refurbished venue.
Architect appointment
Property and Facilities is working with representatives of future user groups of Mayne Hall on the design and restoration plans.
Wilson’s Architects is leading the design, bringing their experience and expertise from working on the previous conversion of Mayne Hall to an art museum.
Managing construction impacts and maintaining safety
UQ and its contractors will aim to minimise disruption as much as possible.
A construction management plan will be in place to ensure safety and minimise noise, dust, vibration and other disruptions as much as possible.
Works will be carried out from Monday to Friday between 6am and 6pm, with Saturday works by exception.
For more details, including parking and traffic changes, visit road and building works updates.
Protecting key features
During construction, special care is being taken to protect the historic pipe organ, and the coloured-glass windows (1972) by Nevil Matthews on the eastern side of the building.
The organ is enclosed in a sealed temporary structure with a filtered air system to manage temperature and protect it from construction activities including dust.
The coloured-glass windows are protected by a solid, full‑height temporary wall, sealed to keep out dust and fitted with ventilation and fans.
Current works
Removal of internal fixtures – April to June 2026
There is increased activity throughout May to early June to remove internal structures, including structural steel, stair landings and walkways, level 3 concrete slab, internal walls, and hoardings that are no longer needed.
During this time, there will be increased construction noise due to the use of cutting tools, jackhammers, and machinery. All works are confined within the building and construction site at this stage of the project, with noise monitored and managed in line with the construction management plan.
Mitigations are in place to minimise noise, dust or other impacts as much as possible, in line with the construction management plan. Safety measures are in place including protective equipment, signage and barricades.
There will be increased truck movements to remove waste from site, in line with the traffic management plan.
Contact
For enquiries about planned works, email projectcomms@uq.edu.au.