An iconic University of Queensland lecture theatre will re-open for business for semester two on July 21 following a $1.5 million makeover — more than 12 times its original cost.
Senior Manager, Academic Administration Philip Taylor said the 366-seat Abel Smith Lecture Theatre was one of the major lecture theatres at the St Lucia campus, and a familiar venue for generations of students.
"The Abel Smith Lecture Theatre has been closed since late 2007 to enable the interior to be completely rebuilt and a new roof and dome installed," he said.
The lecture theatre was originally constructed in 1967 at a cost of $120,000 and named in honour of the then Governor of Queensland, Colonel Sir Henry Abel Smith.
Mr Taylor said the refurbishment had seen the interior of the lecture theatre rebuilt with new seating, wall treatments and lighting.
Dual data projection, visualisers and modern lecterns had been provided as part of the upgrade of the audio-visual teaching equipment.
"Glass walls between the foyer area and the lecture theatre provide improved visibility into the lecture theatre," he said.
"The foyer area has been refurbished and made more attractive with informal seating and new toilets."
The upgrade of the Abel Smith Lecture Theatre has been in planning for over two years.
Mr Taylor said there was a major rescheduling of classes that would normally use the theatre while it was being refurbished in first semester this year.
The refurbishment of the Abel Smith Lecture Theatre is part of a major program for upgrade of teaching spaces across The University of Queensland.
Over $25 million has been spent in the past five years to upgrade teaching facilities.
Media: Jan King 0413 601 248.
