The University of Queensland (1999- )

The need for another University campus had been mooted in 1994, with the Government providing extra funding for more tertiary places, and the St Lucia campus already bursting at the seams.

A number of sites were put forward. Ipswich was very keen to have a university. The University at first had three sites that were considered - Springfield, Gatton College and the Ipswich Railway Workshops. After examining the workshop site, the University felt there were a number of issues which could not be resolved, such as heritage constraints and contamination. Gatton was not identified as a growth area in the 2001 SEQ plan, and the Springfield option lacked infrastructure and relied on projected population growth. The Challinor site was proposed rather late in the discussions and although it had many heritage listed buildings, the University felt they were easier to adapt than the railway workshops.

The arrival of John Hay as Vice-Chancellor in 1996 was also pivotal for the acquisition of the Challinor site. John Hay felt the railway workshop site was definitely unacceptable but wanted to act quickly on a decision for another site. By November 1996, Challinor had been entered in the heritage register and the site was formally offered to The University of Queensland. By April 1998, the freehold title had been passed to The University and the race to have a new campus up and running by 1999 had begun. The last residents were moved out by August 1998, and this was indeed a small time frame to have the site ready by the beginning of February the following year.

Certain criteria had already been ascertained as essential by the University. These included a flexible method of delivery of courses encompassing high tech facilities. A standard operating environment was set up throughout the campus and the new programs offered were cutting edge when looking at what was happening with technology and the changes in society. These programs were designed to attract students from all over the world, not just the local area, although the University has a strong commitment to working with local community. The facilities on offer were second to none and still are to this day.

The construction of Building 12 on the site of the old Female 1 Ward followed quickly on the heels of stage 1, and the new building blends exceptionally well with the old, with panoramic views over the campus and Ipswich from the top floor. The University has furthered its commitment to the campus with the construction of Building 8, which provides a unique environment for discussion, study and work and special events.

With the introduction of courses such as nursing, midwifery, health, medicine and human services, the presence of the past is helping to shape the future. The radial plan is slowly coming full circle.