Buildings and History

The College complex is set in a green and tropical environment. The tree studded site features:

• well kept lawns and tropical gardens
• prolific birdlife
• possums and other wild life
• views over the first class sporting oval belonging to UQ, or a leafy streetscape
• the opportunity to be a spectator at top level sporting games throughout the year

Union College was the first residential college in Queensland to offer accommodation to both men and women. Designed in 1963 by well known architect James Birrell, the college was highly praised for its innovative design. The three storey residential block sits above the facilities building to enjoy cooling river breezes and panoramic views. The spaces between the buildings are designed to create picturesque inner courtyards. An interesting feature of the building is the use of Mt Coot-tha bluestone throughout the site.

The College, housed originally in inner Brisbane, opened on the St Lucia site in 1965 with the buildings completed by 1974. In 2004, the College was heritage listed on the basis of cultural, social and architectural significance. Further detailed information is available by following the link to the EPA listing.