First look at Newtown child care centre’s proposed expansion

A popular childcare centre in Newtown is looking at options to expand its operations. See the plans.

Children at a Newtown childcare centre could enjoy new facilities if a planning application is approved. Picture: Getty Images,

An ageing Newtown daycare centre could be demolished and rebuilt to cater for more children as the region grapples with increasing demand for childcare services.

Operators of Goodstart Early Learning centre have lodged plans with the City of Greater Geelong for a $4.25m redevelopment of its Aberdeen St centre.

The centre currently has approval for 90 children on site and the proposed refurbishment would see that number increased to 118.

If approved, the decade-old existing building would be demolished to make way for new rooms.

The development would see a reconfiguration of the outdoor play areas as well as the construction of a new single-storey building, to allow for the moderate increase in the centre’s capacity.

The new development would also allow for 26 cars to park at the property, up from the 11 that the current outlay allows.

The proposed refurbishment of Goodstart child care centre in Newtown would increase capacity and allow access for more children.

A Goodstart spokeswoman said the proposal was being considered among other options.

“We are looking at a number of options to improve the centre which could include a renovation, a full upgrade or a new build,” she said.

“Potential plans which cover all possibilities have been lodged with the City of Greater Geelong.

“At this stage no decision has been made as to what path Goodstart will take.

“Part of the due diligence process is to provide the opportunity for council and community feedback which we are currently undertaking.

It is unclear at this stage how long the centre would be closed for, should the renovations go ahead.

Goodstart Early Learning Centre in Aberdeen Street, Newtown. Picture: Brad Fleet

The planning application is open for public comment until August 16.

The proposed redevelopment comes weeks after a Geelong Advertiser report revealed that pregnant Geelong women are putting their unborn children on years-long child care waitlists while workers are suffering intense stress as the region struggles to meet the demand for services.

It also comes days after it was reported Woodline Primary School in Ceres was planning to expand due to high demand for its services.

The alternative primary school, which was set up by the wife of Cotton On founder Nigel Austin, applied to amend the schools planning permit to allow for another 52 students, bringing the total number to 150, the expansion would also see its staff numbers double.

Originally published as First look at Newtown child care centre’s proposed expansion