New Northern Beaches childcare centre approved for Blacks Beach Road

A proposal has been approved for a new childcare centre catering to nearly 100 kids in the Northern Beaches suburbs of Mackay. It is one of several been put forward in the last few months.

Northern Beaches may soon have a new childcare centre on Blacks Beach Road. Photo: Contributed

A new childcare centre has been approved in Mackay’s Northern Beaches, as a host of other centres have been proposed across the city.

Planned tfor Blacks Beach Road next to the Tavern and across from the horse paddocks, the centre proposed by Corella Property Investment Trust would cater to 99 children.

Mackay has seen a number of other childcare centre proposals, with most located in the southern suburbs as developers anticipate growing numbers of young families in the city.

Northern Beaches may soon have a new childcare centre after development was approved on Blacks Beach Road. Photo: Contributed

Plans show the Blacks Beach centre would have four activity rooms, two sleeping rooms and three craft/storerooms.

Two large bathrooms, three extra toilets, a change room, laundry and kitchen are also planned.

An alfresco kitchen garden to the east would take advantage of the morning sun, with a staff breakout area and service court at the building’s west.

A childcare centre was approved on Blacks Beach Road. Photo: Contributed

Documents state the centre would employ about 16 childcare staff.

A backyard veranda hugs the rear of the building, leading out to a 894 sqm playscape shaded by trees and ringed by acoustic barriers for neighbours.

Through the 27-bay carpark, the centre will build a new connecting street from Blacks Beach Rd to Mcalary Drive for which developers can suggest three possible names.

The approval comes just months after Fernbourne Developments were approved to build a similarly sized centre in Rural View in September 2022.

The centre will house 99 children and have 16 staff. Photo: Contributed

A majority of recent childcare development applications have been located in nearer to the city centre south of the Pioneer River.

Construction began at the new Kool Beanz development opposite Harrup Park on Juliet Street in December 2022.

Kool Beans are planning three centres in Mackay, with one in Glenella recently lodged with Mackay Regional Council.

The Blacks Beach centre is still subject to building approvals before construction can begin, but it will offer residents of Eimeo and Blacks Beach a childcare option much closer to home.