Topics to be regularly covered in the newsletter include relocation arrangements, timeframes, arrangements for students and staff, consultation opportunities and other relevant issues.

Demolitions

The first demolition (N Block) occurred last year; a second (P Block) is currently underway and is due to be completed this month.

Demolition of L Block is due to commence by the end of 2009, with Y and I Blocks to follow. X Block will remain.

Staff relocations

As part of this initial stage, there is a need to undertake the relocation of some 350 staff and students from within the Faculties of Science and Technology and Built Environment and Engineering, and the Division of International and Development over the next 12 months.

Those people impacted by these changes have been notified through their respective areas.

The relocations will involve some refurbishment of space, providing better working environments for staff and students.

Communications project manager appointed

Gary Rasmussen has been appointed as the communications project manager for the Science and Engineering Centre development.

The best way to contact him is through the email address here. For further information, visit the Science and Engineering Centre homepage.

Consultation

The university is keen to ensure consultation with staff and students continues throughout the redevelopment project.

Staff and students are invited to take advantage of the email and the AskQUT website to give feedback or raise concerns and issues.

Vision

In 2008 QUT announced ambitious plans to establish a new Science and Engineering Centre on our Gardens Point campus.

The aim is to bring together teaching and research in science, technology, engineering and mathematics disciplines, and plans involve the dramatic redevelopment of the campus over the next four years. Following the demolition of some existing buildings, a number of new facilities will be built including stimulating learning and research spaces, exciting food and retail outlets, and a new swimming pool and gym.

Sustainability will be a guiding principle in all designs and construction. A key objective of the centre will be to strengthen the social and community life within QUT, and beyond.

Budget delivers funding

QUT has secured significant funding for the Science and Engineering Centre project.

The university attracted a $75 million infrastructure commitment by the Commonwealth Government in the recent federal budget toward the new centre and community hub.

The Commonwealth funding of $75 million represented Queensland's largest and the nation's second largest injection in this round of the Education Investment Fund.

Laboratories upgrade

As part of early works, the university is investing $19 million in upgrading existing laboratories and workshops in O, E and R Blocks within the Faculties of Built Environment and Engineering and Science and Technology.

Technical and academic staff have worked collaboratively to develop plans and details of these upgrades, due to commence in August.

Flexible multipurpose labs are planned to accommodate individual and group learning and are expected to be on line by Semester One, 2010.

New student zone in S Block

In second semester this year, a refurbishment of S Block will commence that will incorporate a new technology-enhanced student zone on Level 5. The new student space for teaching and learning will provide extensive access for computers and laptops. As part of this project, some staff and students from the Faculty of Science and Technology will be relocated to various locations.

Business as usual for students in 2009

Despite a raft of planning and activities in the lead up to construction of the new Science and Engineering Centre, it will be business as usual for students at Gardens Point campus in 2009.

However, there may be some disruption around the laboratory upgrades project and the refurbishment of S Block towards the end of this year.

Schematic design stage

With the project at the schematic design phase, a number of committees and groups have been formed to drive the design process and planned sustainability initiatives.

These groups will work closely with Donovan Hill and Wilson Architects, the architectural team that was selected from a shortlist of four consortia late last year to design and manage the project.

A range of consultants is now being appointed and sustainability workshops are underway.

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