As part of its campus enhancement program, The University of Queensland has recently completed the $1.7 million renovation of the Alumni Court.
The Alumni Court upgrade, near the Parnell Building, involved providing disabled access into the Great Court and the adaptive re-use of an old physics laboratory.
UQ Property & Facilities Maintenance Manager Kevin O’Sullivan said the University arranged for Queensland Health to safely remove all hazardous waste from the former Radon Lab prior to construction.
Mr O’Sullivan said special canisters were built to transport material to a designated Queensland Health site for disposal.
“By safely integrating the old lab into the landscape it has provided a use for a building that has remained dormant for a long time, improved visual connectivity between the Alumni Court, the Cloisters and the Great Court beyond,” he said.
“It has also provided a place for students and staff to gather and communicate in a relaxed environment.
“Students and staff can remain on task via the area’s wireless network, while utilising the court’s open-planned grassed area, specially-designed seating and undercover facilities.”
The upgrade retained the lab’s sandstone-clad piers, upper walls and parapets, while a steel framed pergola was erected just below the window height and extended beyond the building edge, providing dappled light and shade.
The Alumni Court was originally built in 1970 with the help of The Alumni Friends of The University of Queensland Inc (formerly The Alumni Association of The University of Queensland Inc) who donated $12,000 for the site’s initial landscaping.
Executive Officer Lynne Norris said the money raised by the association was achieved through sheer hard work.
“Of course $12,000 doesn’t sound much by today’s worth of currency but in 1970 it was a great deal,” Ms Norris said.
“Fundraising was through the conduct of a wide-range of social activities which were exceptionally well supported within the University and in the wider community.
“The association was pleased to have been consulted during the planning stage of this redevelopment.
“It is so satisfying to see how these renovations have changed a somewhat tired space into a beautiful, yet functional area for the enjoyment of everyone.”
The Asset Management Plan (AMP) Campus enhancement program funded the Alumni Court upgrade.
Media: Eliza Plant at UQ Communications on (07 3365 2619)
