Campus Hub/Learning Commons project on track

Work is well underway on the Campus Hub/Learning Commons project

Facilities Management has thanked USQ staff for their patience and for working with them as the new Campus Hub/Learning Commons begins to take shape.

Stage One of the project is well underway and with all works currently on schedule, Manager (Planning and Space) Simon Pearl is expecting Stage Two to begin in late March.

'Everything has been going well so far and despite some small delays due to the wet weather it is all on track,' Mr Pearl said.

'We expect the new tenancies of Members and Education Credit Union (MECU) and Heritage to be ready by the start of Orientation Week on February 22, while other works are all progressing nicely.

'This project is taking place in the heart of the campus, but we have tried to ensure that the heavy machinery work is done outside office hours and are conscious of working with the needs of students and staff.

'Our aim is to create a Campus that is attractive to students, staff, and the community and which will add value to their everyday working, learning, and social activities.'

Fitting out the Learning Common and redeveloping the mall in R block are both part of Stage Two and with work to begin next month, Mr Pearl said his team were working hard to ensure the refurbishments were carried out in both a timely and efficient manner.

'We are endeavouring to have the contract for the Stage Two developments on board in March so that the work can begin.'

The final three stages including the relocation of the bookshop and refectory refurbishment are slated to begin this year.

Meanwhile, the quadrangle redevelopment is programmed for 2011, which means the campus will be a busy mixture of workers, students and staff over the next 18 months.

'This is a large-scale undertaking by the University so it will be a hectic time for us over the next year,' said Mr Pearl.

'I want to thank the staff for their co-operation and I am sure they will soon see the benefits of the work that we are doing.'

To view a plan of the new campus hub or for any other information on the project, visit this website.

Contact Details:
Josh Ada, USQ Media, +61 7 4631 2559, 0400 025 429