The buildings at UNE harbour and trigger memories and stories of Australia’s first regional university, a place where knowledge and philosophy was upheld and encouraged from 1938.
1938: ‘New England University College’ established at Booloominbah (part of Sydney University). Booloominbah heated from a steam boiler in the basement.
1954-1955: College granted autonomy as ‘University of New England’ comprising of a number of buildings. Steam boiler converted to high pressure hot water boiler. Heating system struggling to cope with expanding University.
1957-1960: University transforming into a growing Campus. Plans underway for a central heating plant with a suitable site selected.
1961: First main coal powered Boilerhouse built (called Stage 1).
1964-1966: UNE Campus still expanding. Stage 2 Boilerhouse completed (in 2 phases) with 2 new Bouellat boiler units.
1967: UNE begin planning for additional heating capacity and estimate that two more boilers will be required, the first by 1972 and a second by 1975.
1973: Stage 3 Boilerhouse (current building) complete.
1975: Boilerhouse architect G.P. Webber receives a Royal Australian Institute of Architecture award.
1999: Boilerhouse decommissioned.
2018: Remediation of Boilerhouse begins.
2019: Remediation completed.
2019: Watch this space!