An exciting new era of education has begun at the University of Southern Queensland (USQ) following the official opening of USQ Springfield’s new flagship building last week.
USQ Chancellor John Dornbusch was joined by Senator for Queensland Jo Lindgren to officially open the new $45 million building, which represents a major milestone in a remarkable journey of growth for USQ and south-east Queensland’s Western Corridor.
The state-of-the-art building was supported by $41.9 million from the Australian Government and was awarded a five-star rating by the Green Building Council of Australia, offering an impressive new hub of innovative teaching and learning at the campus.
“The official opening of USQ’s new building is testament to a continuing commitment to invest in and improve access to higher education in the region and deliver high standard teaching and learning facilities,” Mr Dornbusch said.
“Springfield is an emerging city with an outstanding education sector and USQ is immensely proud to be the primary higher education provider for one of the nation’s fastest growing areas.”
USQ Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Jan Thomas said the building strengthened the University’s growing reputation as south-east Queensland’s most dynamic university and allowed USQ to grow and enrich student participation.
“The University is expanding its range of pathway and degree offerings that will continue to meet the current and future skills needs of business, industry and the community,” Professor Thomas said.
“The building was a key component of the University’s strategy for expansion, and in particular, fulfils USQ Springfield’s increased focus on digital performance and production as well as business innovation.
“The expansion has also enabled the University to accommodate the additional staff who will provide USQ Springfield’s new offerings in spatial science and aviation, while increased student support and services have enhanced our capacity to deliver pathway courses such as the Tertiary Preparation Program.”
The 9000-square metre, four-storey building provides a focal point for teaching and research activities as well as leading edge facilities for offerings in film, television and radio, and digital production and performance.
Construction commenced in November 2013 with students and staff experiencing the positive difference in the space as a result of the environment focus for the first time last semester.
The new building features:
a Five-Star Green-Star rated building design that maximises the provision of fresh air and natural light a central learning commons and hub
collaborative and configurable learning spaces
specialist teaching spaces
individual and group study areas
staff accommodation
