An historic theatre at the University of Queensland campus was immediately closed last week over a positive asbestos result.
The Schonell Theatre, Geoffrey Rush Theatre and several hospitality outlets at the site were closed on Thursday of last week after the results.
Vice-Chancellor of UQ, Deborah Terry, explained that the levels of asbestos in the Schonell Theatre are regularly monitored. She explained that the positive results indicated that the measures currently in place to contain the asbestos present in the roof of the theatre are no longer effective.
The theatre had been slated for demolition, to much controversy, and Professor Terry explained that the results of the asbestos testing might mean it won’t reopen.
Professor Terry explained that she understood that the news was “very sudden” given the announcement had come during the consultation process.
“Given the health and safety of the UQ community is the number one priority, I felt an obligation to accept the advice to temporarily close the theatre to allow for immediate clearing of impacted areas and a detailed evaluation to occur,” she said.
“I hope people understand that our priority is to provide a safe and healthy environment for our staff and students, and those who come to our campus – and this is something we cannot compromise on.
“The comprehensive assessment will take approximately six weeks, and we then expect to be able to make a decision on whether the theatre can reopen.”
The testing results received by the university showed 17 positive findings of asbestos dust in the building, but the air testing showed no evidence of asbestos.
“I have also requested ongoing air quality monitoring,” Professor Terry explained. An independent asbestos management agency has “been commissioned to commence cleaning while UGL undertakes a comprehensive assessment of the theatre’s electrical infrastructure and advises on potential remediation efforts.”