FAQs
What is happening?
QUT is developing a new $230 million Science and Engineering Centre and Community Hub on its Gardens Point campus, which is due for completion in 2012.
The university is also undertaking an associated multimillion-dollar campus revitalisation that involves renovations and upgrades in some nine buildings.
Specifically, students now have a wide range of modern, technology-enhanced environments in the library, S and Z Blocks. In August 2010, a major redesign and the installation of a series of new learning and research laboratories in O Block was completed. These laboratories and workshop along with a new research pilot plant facility at Banyo replace and set new benchmarks for the engineering facilities previously in P, L and O Blocks.
Science and technology students will also benefit from major upgrades to science laboratories with work in R, E, M and Q Blocks being completed by the end of 2011.
Level 1 of H Block has been refurbished to create a collaborative space for higher degree research students.
All of this "early work" related to the new centre is now substantially complete.
What will the new centre be used for?
QUT’s aim is to establish an internationally significant hub for the integration of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics disciplines.
The centre will also become the lively community heart of the campus. Plans include a 50m pool, high tech spaces for social learning, student bar, a modern gym and vibrant eating places.
The finished project will also provide stimulating work spaces for high-impact research, and allow QUT to keep pace with an expected growth in postgraduate student numbers.
How will the redevelopment affect campus life until the centre is completed?
Gardens Point campus has changed with the large building site now located between Old Government House and the Riverstage. It is surrounded by hoardings and has three tower cranes in place. Trucks with concrete and other building materials are a constant traffic addition to the busy campus.
New power cables were installed along Main Drive in 2010 with work still occurring to upgrade the substation near A Block and finalise connections. Repaving Main Drive and environs will begin during the 2011-12 semester break.
The section of Gardens Point Road from L Block to X Block is a controlled access area for the duration of the project. More construction traffic will use Gardens Point Road and safety barriers with traffic control are in place.
Most services from the demolished Y Block have been relocated to L Block.
Access to some buildings and areas may be affected, and there may be some noise that will affect some people at times, but the university is mindful of keeping disruptions to a minimum and will make sure that affected staff and students are notified of the changes.
Can students have any connection with the project work underway?
Yes, a joint initiative between QUT and the centre builders Leighton Contractors has been established to provide an engagement program for students, staff and the wider QUT community. It is called the Learning with Leighton Contractors initiative.
QUT students now have the opportunity to be actively involved with the centre during the design and construction phase.
Activities that commenced from semester one 2011 include lectures by Leighton Contractor staff and associated consultants, site visits for students and staff, professional development opportunities for QUT staff, and participation in schools programs.
Leighton Contractors have employed QUT undergraduate students on the project as part of work integrated learning.
An extensive collection of photos, time-lapse, video and other resources is being complied for use in the teaching programs.
At the most simple level, everyone can watch the work proceeding on the web site and from vantage points such as the viewing area on the O block podium walkway where signage provides a project overview.
What buildings will be demolished?
The redevelopment involves the demolition of five buildings in the south-east corner of the campus: four blocks have already gone that clears the site for the new centre. The fifth and final demolition, L Block, will occur at the end of the project.
Why couldn't some buildings be re-purposed rather than being demolished?
The buildings already demolished, and L Block marked for future demolition, have reached that point in their lifespan whereby the cost of refurbishment is approaching the cost of replacement. Put simply, the buildings have come to the end of their useable life from both a functional and sustainability point of view.
The new centre will bring together new facilities in a revitalised sustainable corner of the campus. The majority of demolished material to be removed from the site will be recycled.
Will I still be able to use the Kidney Lawn?
Yes, although there will be a hoarding erected from X Block through to L Block and access through this area will change.
Will road traffic be affected?
Construction traffic has increased along Gardens Point Road and traffic conditions have changed, but again the university will alert the campus community of access modifications as they occur. Traffic will be controlled by the contractors.
Where do I find food outlets, an ATM and other campus services?
Most original Y Block facilities, including the QUT bookshop, food outlets, Student Guild services, ATM and chaplaincy have temporarily moved to levels 2 and 3 of L Block.
How do I get to L Block?
Directional signage has been placed strategically around the campus to help direct you to the new L Block facilities. Campus pocket maps and online maps reflect these temporary changes.
What about the loss of gym facilities for over two years?
The gym has not been relocated to L block but will be re-established in the new centre when it is completed in 2012. Staff and students may access gym facilities located at 44 Musk Avenue on Kelvin Grove campus, which can be accessed by a free intercampus bus. Timetables are available.
What about environmental considerations?
The Science and Engineering Centre is registered for Green Star ratings in 'Education Design' and 'As Built', and is aiming for a 5-star Green Star rating.
Achieving this will make it one of the highest rated 'green' buildings in the Brisbane CBD.
How can I find out more information about this building project?
Information and updates about this development will be provided at www.qut.edu.au/sci-eng-centre/
Has X Block been affected and what will happen to it?
X Block remains predominantly the same. Those sections of the university which are sited in X Block, adjacent to the new centre construction site, continue business as usual.
These include the Gardens Theatre, Student Support Services, Health Services, International Student Support Services, Counselling, Careers and Employment, Equity, Ooodgeroo Unit and the School of Justice.
Some changes have occurred however and include the move by Merlo to the Old Government House, the closure of the crèche and the installation of a site hoarding along the length of the building. The creation of a new walkway provides easy access to Oodgeroo and Equity sections and through to the Riverstage side.
Some minor alterations will occur to levels one and two of X Block, with a link bridge planned to eventually connect with the new centre at level two of X Block.