The University of Queensland, Margaret Cribb Childcare

Full construction of new childcare facility accommodating 40 staff and 154 children from age 0-5 years within the parklands of The University’s St Lucia Campus.

Construction of the Margaret Cribb Childcare Centre at UQ St Lucia Campus – a one-level, slab-on-ground, timber-clad building with a centralised courtyard overlooking to the Sports Field and Rugby Club to the north.

Works included:

• Full construction of centre including new outdoor play area, structures, and external works.
• External infrastructure works to bring services to support the site from the sports grandstand.
• Alterations to the existing carpark to accommodate the new childcare centre.

The buildings form has an inverted presence opening up to a central inner courtyard. A key feature is the extensive use of mostly recycled / reclaimed timber for the building façade and decking areas.

Challenges encountered during this project included the interface between the university’s daily operations and the project had to be well managed as the site was located on a busy footpath which connected the campus parking areas with a main entrance to the university.

The project was successfully delivered within a tight timeframe and within budget for an invested community childcare, parent and staff community.