$3.2m childcare centre DA lodged for Manns Rd in North Gosford

Another childcare centre DA has been lodged with council with plans for a $3.2m facility at North Gosford.

A 100 place childcare centre has been proposed at a busy location in North Gosford.

A development application (DA) has been lodged by Think Planners for demolition of existing buildings and construction of a $3.2m childcare at 361-363 Mann St.

The centre will have 20 places for 0-2 year olds, 40 places for 2-3 year olds and 40 places for 3-6 year olds along with a minimum of 17 staff members and 29 parking spaces.

The DA, located opposite Coast Shelter and the Salvation Army, “seeks to utilise the land in accordance with the zoning and take advantage of its proximity to public transport, essential services, schools, and recreational opportunities”.

The location of the proposed childcare centre.

Artists impression of the site.

The childcare centre will be three storeys with the applicant indicating that the building would be compatible with existing buildings along Mann St.

“The subject site is located within the established city centre comprising of mixed use developments of varying ages and scale. It is noted that a large eight-storey mixed use development was recently approved to the south of the site, at 357-359 Mann Street, Gosford,” the applicant stated.

“The centre-based child care centre has been designed to appear as a modern 3 storey commercial building, in order to be consistent with the emerging character within the locality.

Artists impression of the eight storey development being built next door to the proposed childcare centre.

“The subject site is ideal for accommodating a child care facility as it is located within an established commercial area and is within proximity to public transportation, educational establishments and places of public worship.”

The ground floor will include parking, pedestrian access along with the lobby, reception, meeting room, pram storage and life/stairwell.

The first floor will have a kitchen, laundry, three playrooms, bathrooms and outdoor play area with the capacity for 65 children.

The second floor includes another two playrooms, staffroom, lockers and a second outdoor play area for 35 children.

A traffic impact assessment has stated that the parking and access off Mann St should be approved. It stated that the impacts on Mann St traffic along with on-street parking would be minimal.

The DA will be on public exhibition from October 22 to November 19.