Huge 76-place childcare centre proposed for Woodlands Ave, Camira site

In an effort to address Ipswich’s growing population and demand for childcare services, a brand new childcare centre has been proposed for a site surrounded by residential homes. SEE THE PLANS

A new two-storey, 76-place childcare centre could soon be built among homes in a rapidly-growing Ipswich suburb, with a development application recently submitted to Ipswich City Council.

Applicant Property Projects Australia has proposed to build the centre at 1 Woodlands Ave, Camira – a site currently occupied by a single-storey home and a number of sheds.

The development would be surrounded by residential dwellings to its north, south, and west, with an AEIOU Foundation for Children with Autism centre located to its east.

It would also be situated just 650 metres from the Camira State School and 750 metres from the Camira Village Shopping Mall.

Plans submitted to the council stated the proposed development has a total gross floor area of 607m2, including 388m2 at ground level and 219m2 at the upper level.

If constructed, the childcare centre will include four dedicated activity rooms, outdoor play areas on both floors, a reception area, amenities, and service and staff areas.

It would operate between the hours of 6am and 6pm Monday to Friday.

Acoustic barriers to the outdoor play areas, as well as acoustic building facade treatment, have also been proposed to manage impacts to people and properties near the site.

Plans for the development feature a total of 21 carparking spaces, including 11 dedicated staff spaces and 10 visitor spaces.

“All-movements vehicle access is proposed via a new 6.3 metre wide driveway crossover to Woodlands Ave,” the plans read.

“The existing pedestrian pathway along the Old Logan Road site frontage will be used to provide safe pedestrian access to the site entrance.

“Vehicle users will gain access to the childcare centre via the shared space within the northeastern corner of the carparking area.”

The plans stated the proposed childcare centre will fulfil a community need, as demand in the area is expected to increase by 72 places in 2023 and to 90 additional places by 2031.

“The local supply is anticipated to be close to full occupancy by 2023 and the local catchment will still be undersupplied, with demand being identified for the proposed childcare centre,” the plans read.

The development application stated there were currently no long daycare centres operating within the area.

Landscaping will be provided across an area of 440m2 and will include medium feature trees, small screen trees, screen planting, shrubs, and ground covers.