Decision on Schonell Theatre’s heritage bid delayed

The decision on the heritage bid for the student union complex at University of Queensland, which could have major ramifications for a massive redevelopment, has been put off until next month.

An artist's impression of the $300 million development planned for the University of Queensland on the site of the Schonell Theatre.

A DECISION on a heritage bid that could force the University of Queensland to overhaul a concept design for a $300 million redevelopment has been deferred.

The Queensland Heritage Council (QHC) was due to make the call on whether to add the UQ Union Complex and Schonell Theatre to the Queensland Heritage Register last Friday.

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A statement from the council said it had deferred its decision until its next meeting on November 27.

“The application was considered at (the October 25) QHC meeting, with the decision deferred to allow the QHC to consider all the material associated with the application,” it stated.

The Schonell Theatre at UQ. Picture: Annette Dew

Artists’ impressions of the redevelopment released earlier this year show no sign of the Schonell Theatre, although UQ has insisted it was only a concept.

UQ has also said it would await the outcome of the Queensland Heritage Council process before making any decisions on the complex.

The application to heritage list the site, which includes the Schonell Theatre, as “a hub of Queensland democracy” was made in May.

In August, the Department of Environment and Science (DES) recommended the Schonell Theatre, but not the remainder of the site, be listed on the register.

DES said at the time its recommendation was due to the Schonell’s contribution to the social and cultural development of Queensland and the role of student unions in providing university facilities.