Union Complex redevelopment
The University and UQ Union (UQU) are working together on a staged 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, while incorporating modern facilities and improved accessibility and connectivity through the precinct to other parts of campus. Many existing elements of the Union Complex will be retained, including the Schonell Theatre, Forum and Union Building (21A), and the White Australia has a black history mural will be preserved and reinstated within the Complex.
Our community will be kept up to date throughout each phase of the project.
The University and UQU signed a new Services Agreement in 2024 which formalises a UQ Union zone to ensure they continue to have agency over activities in student spaces of the Union Complex. The University has committed to work with the Union to ensure alignment between the existing Terms of Engagement for the UQ and UQU and the new Services Agreement.
Stage 1 main works
The redevelopment of the Union Complex will be carried out in stages over the coming years – helping to minimise the disruption to the community.
Main works for Stage 1 will start from October 2026 and includes:
- Refurbishment of Building 21C to provide new administration offices for UQU, student support services areas, and spaces for students to relax, collaborate and study, as well as a revamped REDROOM.
- Improving access into the heart of the Complex by starting to open up a new open entrance from UQ Lakes Station.
- Installing a new lift and stairs behind the REDROOM, which is expected to be operational later this year.
- Upgrades to services and IT infrastructure supporting the Union Complex.
The REDROOM will remain open until the 31 October and will close over the summer break to allow refurbishment works to be completed before Semester 1 2027.
In addition, roof rectification works for Buildings 21A, 21B, 21D started in September 2026 as part of general Union Complex maintenance works.
Early works were carried out to prepare Building 21C for refurbishment, alongside work to open up the entrance to the Union Complex by removing the former Pizza Caffe and below structure.
Current works
Works are carried out from Monday to Friday, and on Saturdays as required. The timing of works may change pending weather and ground conditions.
New lift and stairs installation– March 2026 to Q4
Works are underway to install a new lift and stairs near the back of the REDROOM, with signage and fencing in place.
Nearby trees will be kept and protective measures are in place to minimise impacts on the neighbouring Hoop Pine tree during inground works, in line with a Council-approved NALL permit.
Pathway upgrades – August to November 2026
Works are underway to upgrade a section of pathway outside the end of trip facilities at Building 21C. This includes installing a non-slip walkway, vehicle-safe reinforced concrete slabs and general landscaping.
Pathway upgrades will be carried out in stages to improve accessibility as part of the Union Complex redevelopment.
For more information on accessing the end of trip facilities, visit the Road and building updates page.
Roof rectification works – September to Q4 2026
General roof maintenance works for Buildings 21A, 21B, 21D are underway, including repairs and weatherproofing measures to help extend the roofs' operational lifespan.
Elevated Work Platforms (EWPs) will remain in place until works are complete. There will be intermittent construction noise and building occupants may hear workers moving on the roof.
Artist impression of Building 21C.
Artist impression of the entrance to the Union Complex from UQ Lakes Station.
Artist impression of the proposed entrance to the Union Complex between Building 21C (left) and Building 22. This is subject to final design planning and approval in future project stages.
Managing construction impacts and ensuring safety during Stage 1
The University and its contractor are working closely with the UQU to coordinate early works and minimise impacts as much as possible.
The Union Complex will remain open during these works, offering a range of food, retail and key services including student advocacy and support, and UQU collectives, clubs and societies.
Access to the Union Complex via the existing Building 21C lift and stairs will remain open for the remainder of Semester 2, 2026. Access changes will occur during the summer break after Semester 2 is finished and details will be shared prior.
For information on parking, traffic and pedestrian changes during the works, visit the road and building works page.
There will be increased noise due to heavy machinery and general construction activities, as well as increased truck movements to remove waste from site. Mitigations are in place to minimise noise and other impacts as much as possible, in line with the traffic and construction management plans.
Regular notifications to retailers and tenants will provide updates on upcoming works, potential impacts and mitigations that are in place.
Safety measures include protective equipment, signage and barricades. Any asbestos-containing material will be wrapped before being removed from the building for disposal and managed in accordance with legislative requirements.
Tree removal was completed in January 2026 under an approved Brisbane City Council NALL permit, with a wildlife spotter in attendance.
We place a high value on native flora and our campuses are home to more than 6,000 trees which support a diverse range of ecosystems, while balancing the need for essential infrastructure to support our growing community.
To offset the removal in line with the BCC permit, the University committed to planting 18 native trees at our St Lucia campus. On completion, the Union Complex will also be landscaped to include native vegetation.
Schonell Theatre and Geoffrey Rush Studio
The Schonell Theatre and Geoffrey Rush Drama Studio were temporarily closed in May 2021 for asbestos removal and essential safety assessments. The UQ and UQU agreed the refurbishment of these venues would be part of the broader Complex redevelopment, although some early works were completed in 2024.
During Stage 1 early works, a temporary façade was installed at the Schonell Theatre following the removal of the former Pizza Caffe and below structure. This façade will be retained and refurbished in a future project stage.
The UQU is utilising the Geoffrey Rush Studio for events due to the closure of the 21C function space.
Further investigation is required at the Schonell Theatre (Building 22) to finalise a maintenance plan, including works to the roof.
Design team
In 2023, Australian architectural firm Lyons was appointed to lead the development of the design for the Union Complex.
Lyons is leading 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 is working with UQ and UQU to develop a design blueprint that recognises the deep connection that UQU, students and alumni have with the complex, in consultation with key user groups as planning progresses.
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.
Read the March 2022 UQ and UQU joint statement (PDF, 198.5 KB)
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 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 projectcomms@uq.edu.au