Bridgewater childcare plans divides Adelaide Hills residents

A quiet neighbourhood street in Bridgewater could soon be home to a two-storey childcare centre and some residents are not impressed. See the plans.

Dozens of new childcare spaces are set to be created in one of the Hills’ most in-demand areas under plans revealed by Future Urban.

The prominent childcare developer has lodged a development application with the Adelaide Hills Council for a two-storey childcare centre at Bridgewater.

The centre, which is yet to name a proprietor, would be located at 23 Morella Grove, and provide space for up to 80 children and 12 staff.

The development is the third childcare centre currently proposed for the Adelaide Hills, with other locations including Stirling and Nairne.

Future Urban has lodged a development application for a new two-storey childcare centre in Bridgewater. Source: PlanSA

Future Urban has lodged a development application for a new two-storey childcare centre in Bridgewater. Source: PlanSA

“The childcare centre will provide early education for 80 preschool-aged children (with) operating hours from 6.30am until 6.30pm, Monday to Friday,” the development application reads.

“The centre expects to employ 12 staff members, noting that not all staff are present on site at

at the same time.

“The building will be separated into five areas based on the ages of the children, with each area having access to outdoor play spaces, preparation rooms, and bathrooms.

“A range of internal spaces which support the functioning of the centre are also incorporated within the building, including an office, kitchen, laundry, staffroom, equipment storage, reception, planning room, foyer and sleep rooms.”

Future Urban has lodged a development application for a new two-storey childcare centre in Bridgewater. Source: PlanSA

Future Urban has lodged a development application for a new two-storey childcare centre in Bridgewater. Source: PlanSA

The application, which is currently open for public consultation, has attracted mixed reaction from residents after a neighbouring property owner flagged the development on social media.

“I think it will be great to have a childcare centre in Bridgewater. It’s nearly impossible to find a space anywhere in the Hills and being so right next to the school is so convenient for families with multiple children,” one Facebook user commented.

Another replied: “I agree a daycare facility is a great idea, just have some reservation about the location and access.”

Stirling District Residents Association chairman John Hill said he emphasised with traffic concerns.

“A lot of these childcare proposals are in the wrong location. There’s not enough parking or they are in narrow streets,” he said.

“The council’s assessment panel needs to be tougher with these development applications...I understand where some of the concern from residents comes from.”