Proposal for $3 million childcare centre at 95-99 Ducat St, Tweed Heads

Plans have been floated for a multimillion-dollar childcare centre in the Tweed – a region in dire need of more options for parents and caregivers. Take a look.

The proposed layout of the Tweed Heads childcare centre.

A $3 million childcare centre could soon become a reality in a pocket of the North Coast described as close to a “childcare desert”, according to recent reports.

If approved, two houses would be demolished for a new two-storey centre just a stone’s throw from the Queensland border at 95-99 Ducat St, Tweed Heads.

Planning documents state the facility would “provide day to day child care needs for local residents” in an area where data shows there’s 2.80 children for each childcare spot.

An artist impression of the proposed Tweed Heads childcare centre.

The need for more childcare providers on the North Coast was stressed by director of Ballina’s Learning Cottage Rachel Brentnall, who has worked in the sector for 23 years.

She said more providers were badly needed, particularly after the early 2022 floods.

“People are desperate for care and there’s just not enough spaces for the demand,” she said.

“At the moment people are having to look further afield and drive further afield.

“Childcare centres are part of the start of how we rebuild our community and they also help people get back to work and provide employment.”

What it could look like … the site at 95-99 Ducat St, Tweed Heads

The proposed new Tweed centre would have spots for 106 children aged between zero and five-years-old and about 20 staff would be needed.

The centre – which does slightly exceed height limits in the area – would have six activity rooms, a kitchen, laundry, sleep area and outdoor play spaces.

Plans state the building would be 9.19 metres tall and the zoned maximum height in the area is 9m.

The centre will open from 6:15am to 6:15pm, Monday to Friday if approved.