40 Mort St, Blacktown: Plans approved for childcare centre

A western Sydney suburb is in line for another childcare centre as the suburb continues to grow.

An artist impression of the approved childcare centre. Picture: Blacktown Council

A western Sydney suburb is in line for dozens of little neighbours, with a house set to be knocked down to make way for a new childcare centre.

The two-storey centre, planned for 40 Mort St, Blacktown has been in the works since March 2023 and has finally been approved.

The plans include demolition of the one-storey house and construction a two-storey childcare centre with 82 children.

An aerial view of the approved site. Picture: Blacktown Council

According to several real estate websites, the house was sold more than 15 years ago for $460,000 and was leased for rent in 2017.

A statement of environmental effects, compiled by Miletic-Mieler Development Consultants Pty Ltd on behalf of the developer, outlines the centre seeks to enrol 82 children with 12 staff operating the centre.

The working hours will be weekdays from 7am to 6pm, with students ranging in age from zero to five.

The report states the centre “achieves a mix of inclusive learning spaces to cater for all students” with “different modes of learning with appropriately designed physical spaces offering a variety of settings, technology and opportunities for interaction”.

For the outdoor play area, the plans highlight the “learning with diversity in function and use, age-appropriateness and amenity”.

The surrounding residential area at the approved childcare centre site. Picture: Blacktown Council

“(The plans) enhances the development’s environmental performance by retaining positive natural features,” plans state.

“(The overall centre) achieves good amenity combines through appropriate and efficient indoor and outdoor learning spaces, access to sunlight, natural ventilation, outlook, visual and acoustic privacy, storage, service areas and ease of access for all age groups and degrees of mobility.

“(It’s) facilities provide comfortable, diverse and attractive spaces to learn, play and socialise.”

Due to the approved site being surrounded by residential houses, an acoustics report was required. The report made recommendations of noise barriers being installed around the outdoor play area to ensure minimal impact to neighbours.