Public submissions open on Archdiocese of Brisbane application for Narangba East

The Archdiocese of Brisbane has revealed details of an exciting new ‘neighbourhood hub’ including a childcare centre north of Brisbane. SEE THE PLANS

Plans have been revealed for a new “neighbourhood hub” including a gym and 100-place childcare centre north of Brisbane.

The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Brisbane has submitted a development application to Moreton Bay Regional Council for “The Ridge” at Narangba East.

The proposal, on the corner of Morgan and Callaghan roads, also includes a 950 sqm commercial, retail and specialty space, a 300 sqm gym, 700 sqm childcare centre and large grassed civic space.

There will also be a food and drink outlet, shop, offices, healthcare and veterinary services.

Artist’s impression of Narangba East.

The childcare centre will include an indoor play area of 700 sqm and an outdoor open space.

The site is presently home to several houses and outbuildings, as well as a dam within the southern half of the property.

Although the development application seeks approval only for a neighbourhood hub, the plans and supporting documents show a potential expansion into a local centre, with a nearby future school and church site to the immediate north of the site.

A development application has been submitted to the Moreton Bay Regional Council for a new neighbourhood hub.

The Archdiocese of Brisbane’s also hopes to roll out a preschool-Year 12 school on the rest of the land within a decade.

The Narangba East Catholic School will be established as part of future infrastructure and is likely to include a parish and after-hours school care.

According to the report, the overall vision for the development is to provide for a neighbourhood centre for the emerging Narangba East community which “meets the daily convenience needs of the community while providing social, cultural and recreational opportunities”.

An economic impact assessment report said the population of the Narangba East area was forecast to grow from 1650 residents, in 2016, to 5010 people by 2033.

A development application has been submitted for a new neighbourhood hub in Narangba East. Picture: Artists Impressions.

“(The) trade area population growth is projected to generate demand for around 58 daily child care places by 2024, increasing to 77 places by 2033,” the report stated.

“Over the 17 years from 2016 to 2033, available trade area retail spending is projected to increase by $41.1 million to reach $63.1 million.

“The report concludes that there is an economic need for the proposed development.”

How the development could look.

The Archdiocese of Brisbane said in a statement the Ridge is planned as a neighbourhood hub to service a growing population within the Narangba corridor.

“For more than 150 years, the Archdiocese of Brisbane has carefully worked with relevant planning authorities to establish schools, churches and social services to communities throughout southeast Queensland,” the spokesman said.

“This has always been done with the needs of the wider community in mind.

“The Ridge is proposed to be situated adjacent to a parcel of land earmarked for a P-12 school.

“It will have a distinct focus on providing a convenient offering for residents in the local community as well as visitors to the area.”

The proposal is impact assessable, meaning the community will be notified and will have a chance to submit feedback and take legal action.

Moreton Bay Regional Councillor Mark Booth said some locals “may be excited by this proposed development and some may not be.”

“I encourage them if feel strongly either way to lodge a submission, this is the only formal way you have the opportunity to voice your opinion,’’ he said.

“Planning officers do not take Facebook comments into consideration when making recommendations on development applications.”