Emali announces plans to turn former dog kennels into childcare centre along South Eastern Freeway
For decades, Hills commuters have driven past the dog and cat kennel on the side of the South-Eastern Freeway. Now it’ll be turned into a “destination” childcare centre.
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A former dog kennel and cattery, which operated along the South Eastern Freeway for 50 years, will be turned into a drive-through-style “destination” childcare centre.
The historic property at 92 Mount Barker Road, Mount Osmond has sold for $800,000 to childcare provider Emali after more than a year on the market.
Company director Ali Serhan said he hoped to turn the landmark property into a “flagship” for his childcare enterprise, which already includes 10 centres across greater Adelaide.
Mr Serhan said his vision for the property was based around natureplay for around 95 children.
“I want kids to be able to climb trees and play in the garden and just have fun," Mr Serhan said.
“I would love to put a flying fox in there...and nature trails for kids to explore.
“We’re also looking at establishing a wildlife sanctuary, so anything native, that kids will be able to look after and learn more about.
“We’re already doing something similar at our centre in Littlehampton but with farm animals which is really well received.”
Mr Serhan said the project was currently in its design stage but construction was planned to commence within the next 12 months and open in 2022.
Construction will include an extensive overhaul of the existing fit-out to make room for a new reception area on the ground floor and staff areas on the upper floor.
The remaining building on site will be demolished to make way for the new facility, which is a collection of interconnected pavilions sprawling around a central outdoor space.
Mr Serhan said the facility would be a first of its kind for the metro area.
It will also cover a “critical” childcare shortage in the eastern suburbs.
“There just aren’t enough childcare centres around for everyone, especially good ones and in the Mount Osmond area,” Mr Serhan said.
“So with this new centre, families will have access from the metropolitan and greater Adelaide regions, with less than a two minute commute from the tollgate.”
Selling agent James Harvey of Harcourts Sheppard said the settlement had been a long time coming with the property first going under contract six months ago.
“We did have other interested parties look at it, including other dog kennels and several charitable organisations,” he said.
“We even had strong interest from two religious communities because the site is somewhat isolated.
“But in the end it sold to (Emali) and their proposed project will help bolster the economy as it will create jobs and opportunities for people in the city and the Hills.”