The $6 million renovation of the iconic library building at CQUniversity Rockhampton has reached lift-off, literally, as a 140-tonne crane was engaged on Friday (March 4) to remove eight of the 7-tonne sculptured panels from the front of the building.

The panels are making way for large feature windows to let in natural light and add ambience, as well as for an open air patio-type structure on the top floor.

It's not just a facelift though because work inside will remove the infamous orange carpet, double the seating capacity to accommodate 600 students at a time, and incorporate a range of technological advancements. The refurbishment will create a whole new learning, studying and working environment for students and staff alike.

The crane action caused quite a bit of buzz

The library project is part of $50 million worth of renovation and construction work, either recently completed or happening soon, at CQUniversity's regional campuses.

Library Director Graham Black was the first to get photos of the 'milestone'. He noted this is the first complete renovation of the library since it was officially opened by Princess Alexandra in 1978.

"We thank students for being patient and for using temporary facilities during the eight months of renovations. I'm confident the end result will be worth it. Renovations started just before Christmas and are due for completion in late July," he said.

"These sculptured panels represent mangroves and rocks. The ones being removed will find a place around campus as part of new landscaping works and we've even kept a roll of the orange carpet for ceremonial purposes.

"Apparently the existing library design was to feature fairly bland external walls but the then CIAE Director Dr Arthur Appleton intervened and so we have such an iconic building today."

Graham notes the panels were even designed to thwart local birds, including special angles to discourage perching and its inevitable outcomes.

Plenty of interest in the renovation milestone