THE historic and beautifully restored Cairns Yacht Club has finally been unveiled at its new home - as the centrepiece of the $3.6 million student hub at James Cook University. 

Built more than 90 years ago – and mired in controversy during recent years when the Cairns community resisted attempts to demolish or move it – the former yacht club’s Johnstone River hardwood dance floor is polished once more and its huge silky oak trusses and columns are exposed.

"I love it," says JCU student president Justin Ganzer. "To have the trusses exposed like that is awesome.

"I don’t think we have enough buildings like this anymore. Most buildings today have ceilings that impose height restrictions. This is nice and open, so I can’t wait to get in here and start doing things with the students."

In fact, the students association moved into its new headquarters this week and will be joined by the university’s refectory and campus bookshop.

The new student hub – designed by architect Michael Martino of MMP Architects and built by Vis Constructions – also is home to an outdoor stage and 300-seat amphitheatre, while inside the restored yacht club is a new cafe, bar, stage area and space for yacht club memorabilia.

"The new student precinct will be the social centre of the campus and the clubhouse will be the centre of it," Mr Ganzer said.

While plans for the student hub were already well advanced when the yacht club building became available, Mr Ganzer said it was a good fit.

"The yacht club needed a home and there was a place here for it. It seemed like it was almost serendipitous."

Mr Ganzer said a few of the floor boards – which were Johnstone River hardwood, not black bean as originally thought – were replaced because they were either rotten or damaged, and the end walls also were replaced.

The clubhouse sides were fitted with louvres and bi-fold doors to create cross ventilation and access to decking, while a new bridge and walkway – soon to be covered – connects the new student hub with the university library.

Mr Ganzer said the yacht club also would double as a conference venue and function room. "We’re really keen to reconnect the community back to the university, so we’ll be opening it up for conferences and events.

"And we’re really excited about putting on performances for the university and community in the amphitheatre, as well."

Also happy with the new-look yacht club is long-time sailor, yacht club devotee and former club employee Sarah Harbrow, 21, who has just finished the first year of a nursing sciences degree.

"My dad used to spin me around the dance floor when I was little, so it’s really, really nice to have it here now because it’s got memories for me. My dad was very big on keeping it where it was and keeping it for the community.

"But I think it’s absolutely beautiful. They’ve done a great job and I think it will be great to come out here and listen to a live band," Ms Harbrow said.

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