Matthew Evans, Dirk Long plan to develop new childcare centre in Sippy Downs
Development plans for a new childcare centre aimed at children transitioning into Prep have been earmarked for a popular Sunshine Coast suburb.
Sunshine Coast
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Prominent developers Evans Long have revealed their plans for a new, 44-place boutique kindergarten and adjoining health centre to be built in Sippy Downs.
The development application was lodged with council on January 18 by Evans Long to establish the 4448sq m centre located opposite their existing Sippy Downs Early Learning Centre which opened in 2020.
Evans Long director Matthew Evans said the $5.5m centre on Fairfax St would cater for older children about to transition into Prep.
“We think they deserve something a little bit more mature and purpose-built and given the demand we have had across the road where we are full we thought we should cater for the extra demand that we do have for that age group,” Mr Evans said.
He told the Sunshine Coast Daily they had seen an increase in inquiries at their existing childcare centre, especially from families moving to Queensland from southern states.
Mr Evans hoped the spare tenancy would be filled by a paediatric or child-focused health or education tenant.
“We just think with the way things are going with health and education these days, if we can create more of a one-stop shop for parents we think that would be beneficial,” he said.
“It’s all about convenience is what we are trying to provide there at Sippy Downs.”
The proposed building consists of an administration office and the shop tenancy downstairs, with two educational rooms holding a total of 44 children upstairs.
Mr Evans said the “pretty special” design included an open-air play area and large windows to allow natural light in the classrooms.
The carpark will hold 21 vehicles and the covered play zones contain perimeter screening to prevent “unimpeded” views to the playscape as well as providing safety barriers.
Mr Evans said the proposal had been “well accepted” by local parents who have supported the existing centre through the difficult times of the pandemic.
“It’s been difficult through Covid obviously with compulsory vaccinations, it has put a large dent in the industry for available people but we managed to stay open,” Mr Evans said.
“The staff have pretty much been in the firing line with families coming down with Covid but they’ve done really well and it is a credit to our staff.”
Subject to council approval Mr Evans hoped the development could be completed by August, 2022.
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