The University of Queensland Playhouse childcare centre in operation since 1976 was identified to be relocated into a new facility within a newly established childcare precinct on the St Lucia campus.

The new Playhouse continues to provide outstanding facilities for baby years up to and including a complementary integrated after school care facility. The enhanced facility accommodates 106 children aged 0 years - 5 years, and 60 children in the after-school facility. A focus on the exterior being the 'Third teaching space' is founded on the Reggio Emilia philosophy of learning. The interior and interstitial spaces along the edges provide substantial shade and play spaces for heightened engagement and activity.

The Playhouse sits adjacent to the Margaret Cribb Child Care centre and appropriately contributes to the St Lucia campus childcare precinct that is at the gateway to the University campus.