The University of Queensland’s controversial plan to redevelop the UQ Union site may have hit a stumbling block as the Queensland Government makes the recommendation to heritage-list the Schonell Theatre.
The Save the UQ Union Complex group, applied to heritage list the site as a “hub of Queensland democracy” in May, after the university released a $300 million redevelopment plan that included the demolition of the iconic theatre.
The Department of Environment and Science has recommended the Schonell Theatre, but not the remainder of the complex, be added to the Heritage Register, based on a range of factors including its contribution to the social and cultural development of Queensland.
It is now up to the Queensland Heritage Council to decide whether it will add all or part of the complex to the register.