Sydney developers appeal Wollongong City Council’s rejection of $6.7m Cringila childcare centre

A Sydney developer has challenged Wollongong City Council’s rejection of a $6.7m suburban childcare centre, pushing ahead with plans to build the large facility by appealing the decision.

Artist impression of the proposed childcare centre. Picture: Supplied

The developers behind a multimillion-dollar childcare centre in suburban Illawarra have appealed a council decision to block the project.

Planned for Lake Ave, Cringila, the $6.7m, 100-place facility was first proposed in 2023 by Sydney-based firm Creative Drafting Services.

But, Wollongong City Council knocked it back on July 2 last year.

Wollongong City Council documents state the proposal was rejected due to unresolved landscaping issues.

According to a planning assessment report, council issued a request for further information highlighting their multiple concerns were left unaddressed by the applicant.

The $6.7m centre is proposed for Cringila. Picture: Supplied

Now, the firm – which specialises in childcare centres and is operated by Shane Duck – has appealed the decision and resubmitted its development application.

If approved, two blocks will be merged to build the single-storey centre, designed to cater for 100 children and employ 18 staff.

The childcare centre proposes an outdoor play area and retaining wall gardening. Picture: Supplied

Planning documents state the centre would accommodate up to 40 children aged zero to two, 20 aged two to three, and 40 aged three to five.

The centre would include five indoor playrooms, outdoor play areas, sleep rooms, admin spaces including staff rooms, offices, a kitchen, laundry, storerooms and amenities.

Landscaping is also proposed, with retaining wall gardening, play equipment and parking for up to 36 cars, covering staff and visitors.

The application follows recent data reported by this publication showing the Illawarra has 156 childcare centres that either meet or exceed quality standards.

The Cringila proposal will remain on public exhibition until later this year.

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Originally published as Sydney developers appeal Wollongong City Council’s rejection of $6.7m Cringila childcare centre