12 July 2013

The University of Queensland will soon begin building a childcare centre to replace one destroyed by floods in 2011.

Works on the relocated Munro Centre will start this month, and the 52-place facility on the corner of Dell and Carmody roads in St Lucia is expected to open by mid-2014.

UQ Property and Facilities Director Alan Egan said the project’s construction contractor, McNab, would advise neighbouring residents of the construction schedule.

“The new facility was designed with the neighbours in mind, and the construction phase of the project will have a strong focus on ensuring minimal disruption to neighbouring houses and businesses,” Mr Egan said.

“The contractor will implement a traffic management plan in accordance with Brisbane City Council requirements,” he said.

The contractor will also be responsible for keeping construction noise and dust to a minimum.

The UQ project team has been working closely with the Brisbane City Council, and the building will be constructed in accordance with the conditions of the council’s approval for development.

“It is the University’s intention to achieve a result which meets the needs of the University without compromising the amenity or lifestyle of the neighbours,” Mr Egan said.

The new centre will be low-set and residential in scale, retaining the leafy character of the Carmody Road and Dell Road streetscapes and in keeping with the surrounding houses.

It will offer 52 childcare places – initially to the UQ community, and then to the wider community.

Inquiries about the construction phase can be directed to McNab’s Project Manager on 0439 758 782.

UQ has provided the building and site for the Munro Centre's childcare operations for the past 18 years.

The new childcare facility will replace the former Munro Centre in Munro Street, St Lucia, which was demolished following significant damage in the January 2011 floods.

Mr Egan said the Munro Centre could not be rebuilt on its original site in Munro Street as it was prone to severe flooding.

“The centre is operating from a temporary demountable on part of the University's Keith St car park, so the staff, families and children are looking forward to a more permanent and purpose-built location,” he said.

“Given its co-location with the University, proximity to public transport, flood-free nature and minimal impact on the surrounding road network, this site offers the best solution for children from UQ and the surrounding areas.”

Media contact: Janelle Kirkland, UQ Communications, 07 3346 0561 or j.kirkland@uq.edu.au