Kindy City set to open at UQ next month

More than 100 babies, toddlers and young children will have a new temporary home at The University of Queensland’s St Lucia campus next month.

“Kindy City” is expected to open in the Keith Street, St Lucia car park on February 7, opposite the University’s Multilevel carparks in Sir Fred Schonell Drive.

It will provide care for clients attending the Munro Centre and Margaret Cribb Childcare Centre, both of which were inundated in the Brisbane floods this month.

Senior Deputy Vice-Chancellor Professor Michael Keniger said the University had made “Kindy City” a priority to house 107 children from babies through to kindergarten age.

The majority are children of staff and students.

“The continuity of quality child care is very important to the University and the campus population,” Professor Keniger said.

“Our Property and Facilities division has been working around the clock to get these facilities back on line in a temporary capacity and I commend them on advancing so quickly with planning.

“Clients can be assured that there will be the same great staff at these facilities as previously, only the location will change for the time being due to the unforeseen circumstances.”

Temporary buildings have been ordered and will be installed. Planning is underway on electrical and data, IT, plumbing, fencing and architectural drawings of internal fitout.

A shade awning will provide shading for a proposed playground.

Professor Keniger said Kindy City would service existing clients. The University was looking at longer–term plans to increase the capacity of both the Munro Centre and the Margaret Cribb Childcare Centre, once the current situation is resolved.

Media: Jan King 0413 601 248.