Yarranlea Primary School and community facilities at Mt Gravatt face uncertainty as Griffith University transitions its long-standing campus operations to Nathan.
Background and Campus History
Griffith University is winding down operations at its Mt Gravatt campus, with students and staff transitioning to Nathan. The university has said the move will allow resources to be consolidated and improve access for the community.
The site began in 1969 as the Brisbane College of Advanced Education and merged with Griffith University in January 1990. It became known for its programs in education, criminology, psychology, and social sciences. Griffith College also operated there until its relocation to Brisbane CBD in 2024.
Yarranlea Primary School’s Position
Yarranlea Primary School, located within the Mt Gravatt grounds, has a long and shifting history. It first opened in 1883 and was later closed in 1977. The heritage-listed building was moved to the Mt Gravatt campus in 1979, where it was initially used as a display school before reopening as Old Yarranlea State School in 1987. After another closure in 2013, it reopened as an independent school in July 2014.
As of 2024, enrolment sat between 56 and 60 students from prep to year 6. Members of its board have raised concerns that the school cannot expand due to restrictions on using nearby teaching spaces. Suggestions have been made to repurpose existing buildings and to turn the campus tennis courts into a community hub.
Aquatic and Sporting Facilities
The Mt Gravatt Aquatic and Fitness Centre has been earmarked for closure, with operations expected to cease at the end of 2025 unless a new operator is secured. The centre has been a base for swimming lessons, school carnivals, and community fitness.
The university has stated that other facilities on the site will remain supported until mid-2026. Community members have emphasised the importance of the aquatic centre in maintaining health and social connection.
Stakeholder Interests and Alternatives
The 42-hectare campus site has attracted attention from different groups. Public housing advocates have expressed interest in utilising part of the land as a response to housing demand. At the same time, Yarranlea Primary School is seeking space to accommodate growth.
Community Sentiment
Former students have described the Mt Gravatt campus as quiet, accessible, and closely linked, with its café noted as a highlight. Many residents have voiced support for keeping Yarranlea Primary School active and preserving local recreational spaces, including the aquatic centre.
Outlook
The gradual transition of Griffith University’s operations to Nathan has left the future of Yarranlea Primary School and the wider Mt Gravatt site unresolved. With interests ranging from education to housing and community recreation, the eventual use of the campus land remains uncertain.
Published 5-Sep-2025
