Building Futures Montessori submit development proposal for Wynnum childcare centre

A southeast Queensland early learning company with three centres across the region have submitted a proposal for a massive new location in a bayside CBD.

A southeast Queensland early learning giant could be the latest company to move into Brisbane bayside’s booming CBD after submitting a development proposal to build one of the area’s biggest childcare centres.

Building Futures Montessori submitted a development application for a 145-place childcare centre at 238-242 Bay Tce, Wynnum on April 25.

If the proposal is approved by the Brisbane City Council, it would be the company’s fourth centre across southeast Queensland with locations already at Wavell Heights, Forest Lake and Blackstone.

Artist impression of the plans for a childcare centre at 238-242 Bay Tce in Wynnum.

The 1918 sqm centre, for children aged up to five years, includes eight separate classrooms, external open space as well as ancillary facilities along with 29 carpark spaces.

The site, which is under the Community Facilities Zone in the City Plan, currently features two buildings including the heritage-listed former Wynnum Presbyterian Church as well as a residential building.

The heritage-listed former Wynnum Presbyterian Church.

Built in 1920, the former church will be retained and restored as part of the proposal while the residential building will be demolished to make way for the centre.

Not only does it build on the development boom the bayside has experienced in recent years but it also builds on the childcare boom in the area with four new centres already hitting the area.

Vicki McKinnon from Building Futures Montessori said when the property on Bay Tce became available in 2019 it seemed the most suitable for a childcare purpose.

The site at 238-242 Bay Tce, Wynnum where a proposal has been submitted for a 145-place childcare centre.

“The property was in an area of undersupply and came with a beautiful heritage-listed hall that could be repurposed suitably for a childcare facility,” she said.

“Whilst other services have been developed since our purchase, we believe that the demand for the quality and care that comes from a centre with active owner involvement as well as the support structures of a larger organisation will remain attractive for families.

“We have seen the potential that Wynnum has as a location for families to enjoy living, and the rejuvenation of the suburb that has been taking place.

Ms McKinnon also said their development application included childcare places for infants, toddlers and kindergarten children and their programs would be in accordance with the Montessori philosophy and methodology.

“We look forward to a facility, which provides children excellent programs and play spaces, but also views over the bay to Moreton Island.

“We welcome expressions of interest from educators and families as we continue the development process.”

Artist impression of the plans for a childcare centre at 238-242 Bay Tce in Wynnum.

Councillor for Wynnum Manly, Peter Cumming (ALP), said he had concerns about the parking issues the centre would potentially cause.

“The child care centre will cater for 145 students ranging in age up to five-years-old yet will provide only 29 carparking spaces,” he said.

“Bay Tce is a busy thoroughfare between Wynnum and Manly. Guardian Angels School is just down the street at 188 Bay Terrace only two blocks away.

“In addition local businesses and residents may be adversely affected by their on street parking being taken away.

“The application is impact assessable, which means a sign will have to be displayed on site and submitters will have a right to appeal to the Planning and Environment Court.”

BFM’s application also comes just months after the operators were revealed for a new $10 million childcare centre in Manly.