Paisley Park Early Learning to open new childcare centre at 14 Johnston St, Stirling

A home just off Stirling’s main street could soon be replaced by a high-security, three-storey childcare centre for almost 100 kids. See the plans.

A three-storey childcare centre could replace a residential home in a quiet neighbourhood street in Stirling, under plans lodged with the Adelaide Hills Council.

White Rabbit Group Pty Ltd has lodged development plans to construct a Paisley Park Early Learning Centre at 14 Johnston Street – a site currently occupied by a 1960s-built home.

The property sold in April this year for $1.025m.

According to a report by urban planning consultancy firm URPS, the existing dwelling would be demolished to make room for the purpose-built childcare centre.

The 1054sq m site would also include associated outdoor play areas, undercroft carparking and landscaping.

A concept image of the new Paisley Park Early Learning Centre in Stirling. Source: Plan SA

The building will sit on a sloping block and span across three levels. Source: Plan SA

Consultant Project Manager Matthew King said the centre would operate Monday to Friday from 6.30am to 6.30pm.

“The childcare centre will cater for children ranging from six weeks to six years old and will accommodate up to 95 children at any one time.

“Parent arrival and departure times are staggered across a three-hour period in the morning –typically 7.15am to 10.15am – and three-hour period in the afternoon – 3.30pm to 6.30pm.

“Up to 15 staff members will be present at any one time to monitor and care for the children.”

The house at 14 Johnston St, Stirling, which could be turned into a childcare centre. Picture: Google Maps

According to a report to the council by the operator, security will be a key focus for the centre which will manage access via a biometric fingerprint system.

The site is currently occupied by a 1960s-style home. Source: Plan SA

“They are the same units used by the Australian prisons, the Australian Defence Force, and Pentagon, so are very reliable and secure,” the report read.

“When we set up a parent’s access on the system, we allow a window of 10 minutes for each parent’s agreed hours, in case they are running early or late.

“If a parent attends at a time outside these parameters, then they do not have access to the building, and consequently have to be manually let in by staff.”

A total of 21 carparking spaces also form part of the proposal.

Residents are invited to provide feedback on the development by December 3 via the Plan SA website.

Paisley Park Early Learning Centre was contacted for comment.