Developer Barry Bernoth proposes 44-place childcare centre inside Toowoomba’s Culzean House

One of the city’s most prolific developers is back with a new project, proposing a new childcare centre inside a historical property.

One of Toowoomba’s most prominent developers has put forward plans for a new childcare centre inside a well-known historical building in the CBD.

Barry Bernoth submitted a development application to the Toowoomba Regional Council this week to convert the two-storey Culzean House on Margaret Street into a 44-place facility.

According to the plans, the actual centre would be on the ground floor while the second floor would host administration.

“The overall intent of the proposal is to construct a new 44-place childcare centre in a prominent urban location within the suburb of Toowoomba City,” planner JFP Consultants wrote.

“As part of the proposed development, the existing two-storey brick building at 317 Margaret Street will be retained.”

JFP Consultants said the developer planned to keep the character of Culzean House, which has been used as an office previously and is covered under the council’s neighbourhood character overlay zoning.

“The proposed development has been architecturally designed to be modern and unobtrusive, to ensure that the proposal does not compete with the scale and form of the original building,” the report said.

“The proposed development will gain its primary vehicular access from the Margaret Street frontage, with pedestrian access at ground level also achieved from Margaret Street.

“Emphasis has also been placed on delivering an attractive streetscape which addresses the Margaret Street frontage and provides a “human scale” built form outcome.”

Extra outdoor areas have also been proposed.

The property also features a childcare centre at the rear of the property, which fronts onto Isabel Street.

The development is considered impact-assessable, which means community consultation must be carried out as part of the assessment process.

Reports into noise and traffic impacts were also attached to the report.

The council has yet to respond to the application.

Originally published as Developer Barry Bernoth proposes 44-place childcare centre inside Toowoomba’s Culzean House