Mayne Hall restoration

Source: https://about.uq.edu.au/strategy-values/infrastructure-investment/mayne-hall-restoration Parent: https://about.uq.edu.au/faculties-institutes/bel/about/contact

Mayne Hall is being restored as a space for events, such as keynote lectures, music performances and graduations.

The University is restoring Mayne Hall as a space for events, such as keynote lectures, music performances and graduations.

The investment will enhance the University’s cultural and events experience at St Lucia to coincide with the 100th anniversary of the Mayne Bequest and the Art Museum’s 50th anniversary.

Opened in 1973, it hosted major University events before becoming the UQ Art Museum in 2004.

At the same time, the University will invest in a purpose-built, architecturally designed art gallery for the UQ Art Museum, located in the iconic Forgan Smith Tower.

Restoration works will commence in early 2026, with the aim to open for graduations at the end of 2026.

The restored pipe organ, which stands 2 storeys high and consists of 3,283 pipes, will remain a feature in the refurbished venue.

Architect appointment

Property and Facilities is working with representatives of future user groups of Mayne Hall on the design and restoration plans.

Wilson’s Architects is leading the design, bringing their experience and expertise from working on the previous conversion of Mayne Hall to an art museum.

Managing construction impacts and maintaining safety

Construction is planned to commence from March 2026, and UQ and its contractors will aim to minimise disruption as much as possible.

A construction management plan will be in place to ensure safety and minimise noise, dust, vibration and other disruptions as much as possible.

Works will be carried out from Monday to Friday between 6am and 6pm, with Saturday works by exception.

Current works

Site establishment – Q1 2026 to Q2 2026

In late March, fencing will be installed around Mayne Hall in preparation for early works.

The majority of these works are internal so minimal disruptions are expected, though there will be increased vehicle movements and changes to traffic conditions on University Drive.

Contact

For enquiries about planned works, email projectcomms@uq.edu.au.\