Union Complex redevelopment

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, 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).

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)

The University and UQU have signed a new Services Agreement 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 in the first quarter of 2025 to ensure alignment between the existing Terms of Engagement for the UQ and UQU and the new Services Agreement.

Project timings and preparation for stage 1

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

Proposed plans for stage 1 to refurbish Building 21C, accommodating UQU administration, Student Advocacy and Support, and the REDROOM, will be presented to Senate for approval in the first half of 2025. Works are targeted to begin in the second half of 2025, subject to Senate approval. 

Ahead of stage 1, UQU collectives, clubs and societies, student experience groups and Semper Floreat will relocate to spaces in 21A and 21D within the Union Complex. Works to prepare the spaces in 21A and 21D will commence in January, with minimal disruption expected as fitout works will be internal.

Early works on the REDROOM

The REDROOM temporarily closed on Friday 25 October 2024 for essential works. The venue is expected to reopen in early 2025.

The work involves the safe removal of asbestos. While it is safely contained, the asbestos needs to be removed in preparation for stage 1 of the complex redevelopment in late 2025. Access during this time will be restricted to authorised contractors only.

The majority of the works have been scheduled for the summer break as it is usually a quieter period.

The safety of our community is paramount during these works and asbestos removal will be carried out safely by licenced professionals in line with relevant legislation.

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

Work is inside the REDROOM and disruption in the vicinity is unlikely. The Union Complex remains open, as well as other spaces in Building 21C, including the lift, conference centre and student services. The rear emergency stairs will be restricted to emergency use only.

The work is carried out Mondays to Saturdays between 6:30am and 6:30pm, with Sunday works as required.

Design team appointed

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.

Schonell Theatre update

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.

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.

Early works were completed in 2024 which involved safe removal of asbestos, electrical equipment, and fixtures, service re-routing, and other minor building works.

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.