Homes demolished in Kirkellen Street, Berserker, for childcare centre

Four homes sold for a combined $1.22 million and the owners are looking to build a 94-place childcare centre.

30 and 32 Kirkellen Street, Berserker, have been described as inhabitable and termite ridden.

Work is expected to start soon on demolishing termite-ridden homes in Berserker to make way for a 94-place childcare centre.

Plans were first submitted to Rockhampton Regional Council in late 2021 for a childcare centre over 28-32 Kirkellen Street, off Musgrave Street near Supercheap Auto.

The original plans were approved in February 2023 however revised plans were submitted and were re-approved in November.

The properties have also sold for a combined $1.22 million, adding another home at the rear of the development.

28 Kirkellen Street, Berserker sold for $306,250 in February 2024.

The approved plans dictate the development will be accessed from Queen Elizabeth Drive with a new vehicle crossover to an on-grade 31-space car park.

The facility would support 94 children and 15 staff.

The main building faces away from Musgrave Street and has three outdoor play areas.

There are six rooms on the plans for ages zero to three-plus.

There is also a kitchen for the centre to provide its own meals.

Floor plan for the childcare development on Kirkellen Street, Berserker.

The properties sold in 2021 and changed hands again this year.

A multi-sale was transacted for 30 and 32 Kirkellen Street, and 29 Edwin Street, which connects to the Kirkellen homes at the rear.

The Edwin Street home was not included in the original plans.

The three homes, 28, 30 and 32 Kirkellen Street that will be demolished for the childcare centre.

The three homes sold for $918,750.

A fourth home at 28 Kirkellen Street sold for $306,250.

The properties purchased by Children First Property Pty Ltd on Kirkellen and Edwin Street in Berserker.

All homes settled in February to Children First Property Pty Ltd.

The company also purchased land in December 2023 in Gympie which has development approval for a 113-place childcare centre.

MORE CHILDCARE DEVELOPMENTS

Plans had been approved for national boutique and holistic company Eden Academy to build a 90-space street in Murray and Gillespie Street in Wandal in June 2023 however it is understood the developer has pulled out.

Work has however started on the site of the former Imbina Medical Centre at 149 Denham Street, Allenstown.

The building is to be redeveloped into a 90-space centre for children from zero to 12 years.

The owner is also looking to provide overnight care, catering to shift workers.

Rockhampton has 16 registered childcare centres and outside of school hours care facilities.