Vice chancellor Professor Deborah Terry said access to university education should not be determined by where someone lived, or their background.

The university’s new site in the old heritage-listed National Bank building at 308 Queen Street has been refurbished to allow for students and alumni as well as business and government and researchers to network. Alumni would also be able to use the space free of charge.

“Education and opportunity must be available for all Queenslanders and by 2032 we have committed to break down personal, financial and geographical barriers facing students aspiring to study at UQ,” Terry said.

The current level of students from rural, remote or low socio economic backgrounds was about 22 per cent.

She said the commitment was one of the founding principles of UQ. There was also a focus on growing philanthropic funding by 2032 to double its current levels.

This would provide needs-based scholarships.

UQ alum, Brisbane Olympics committee president and former Dow Chemical chief executive Andrew Liveris said the new CBD site would help position Queensland to capitalise on the “golden decade” ahead.

“It will help foster partnerships as we work together to tackle the complex economic, strategic, climate and technological challenges facing Queensland, and the nation,” he said.

The site was free for staff, students and alum and they can use the facility at any time. There was a check-in process with a concierge.