QUT Campus A Block

The section of land on which this building stands was gazetted in the 1870s as a Reserve set aside for new Government House, which was to replace the one on the Domain in George Street. Plans for an elaborate building had been drawn up and foundations laid, when the project was abandoned and the new Government House was constructed at its present site in Fernberg Road, Bardon. Prior to this, however, the northern end of Victoria Park Road had already been set aside for educational purposes since 1876 to complement the primary school already in the vicinity.

Construction of a college at Kelvin Grove was seen in the 1920s to be an interim measure until finalisation of plans to house a training college at the University site at St Lucia where Cromwell College now stands. The south wing was completed in 1930, and in 1934-35 the north wing was finished. 

Although the building was a purpose built teacher training facility, financial pressure on the Government at the time led to it being occupied by the North Brisbane Intermediate School. Intermediate schools developed as a result of the 1930 review of primary education, providing a post primary introductory level to the church secondary and grammar schools – equivalent to eighth grade. Two were provided in Brisbane, one on each side of the river. They were also set up in any other city where the State supported grammar and church secondary schools. 

Given the economic climate of the 1930s it was not until 1942 that the Queensland Teachers’ Training College was finally on site. The College still shared the facility with the Intermediate School, however, occupying the top floor and the southern part of the ground floor of the building until the late 1950s, when the school closed. 

Nineteenth century primary schoolteachers were trained under a quasi-apprenticeship system. Teachers in the private secondary school sector, however, were considered to have had obtained sufficient level of scholarship to work out their own teaching methods. The need for a training college was not apparent until 1912 when the Queensland Government built its first six high schools. These were only provided in 

Nineteenth century primary schoolteachers were trained under a quasi-apprenticeship system. Teachers in the private secondary school sector, however, were considered to have had obtained sufficient level of scholarship to work out their own teaching methods. The need for a training college was not apparent until 1912 when the Queensland Government built its first six high schools. These were only provided in regional areas that were not serviced by the private sector. They were designed to accommodate the growing needs of rural children for education beyond primary level. As the new schools would still be able to compete with the church secondary and grammar schools for university places it was deemed necessary to provide teachers of comparable quality. As suitably qualified applicants were scarce in remote areas, provision of college trained teachers was seen as an alternate source of supply.

Students were trained in a variety of establishments located in and around the city centre before being relocated to Kelvin Grove. The final shift to the present site occurred in 1942. This was due largely to a fear of air raids by Japanese forces as at that time Singapore had just capitulated. The site of the Queensland Teachers’ Training College in Turbot Street was considered far too dangerous for future teachers of Queensland. It was decided that trainee teachers should move to the safety of Kelvin Grove. The College occupied the top floor and part of the north wing of the building, sharing the property with the North Brisbane Intermediate School. Even though this was considered a safe distance from anticipated action in the city, students were engaged in putting tape on the windows and digging trenches around the building.

Government restructuring of the tertiary education system in the 1970s and 1980s shifted Kelvin Grove’s focus away from teacher training, until, in 1989 it was amalgamated into the fledgling Queensland University of Technology as the Kelvin Grove Campus. Despite these recent changes, Kelvin Grove is still considered to be the key teacher training facility in Queensland.

The building is currently in good condition having undergone a recent refurbishment and renovation. A new pedestrian space has replaced the circular drive in front of the building, which significantly enhances the architectural features of this 1930s building.

The ground level of the building has openings at regular intervals framed by rendered masonry columns. Above this level the structure is predominantly a rendered masonry facade with classical elements introduced into its otherwise very simple exterior. Two storey square pillars made of darker shade of render project at regular intervals from the building facade. The pillars have a stepped base and simple decorative capital. Windows are situated on both levels between the pillars.

The roof is hipped over the length of the building and covered with dark tiles. A fronting gable projects over the entry feature.

1. Anderson, Norman. Kelvin Grove: 40 years 1942-1981. Brisbane: Kelvin Grove College of Advanced Education. 1981

2. Brisbane City Council Property Notices

3. Brisbane City Council Water Supply & Sewerage Detail Plans

4. Department of Natural Resources, Queensland Certificates of title and other records.

5. McKellar's Map of Brisbane and Suburbs. Brisbane: Surveyor-General’s Office, 1895

6. Pechey, S & Paul Thomas. Telling Tales: An Oral History of Kelving Grove College. Brisbane: QUT. 1992

7. JOL Estate Map Collection and photographic collection