Long Jetty: $2.34M, 90-place Eden Academy childcare centre approved

A decision has been made on plans for a $2.34 million, two storey, 90-place childcare centre on The Entrance Rd featuring ‘undercroft’ parking and an upstairs play.

A vacant block next to the RSL Sub Branch museum and Diggers @ The Entrance will be transformed into an “innovative” two-storey childcare centre with 90 places and 20 full-time staff, under new plans approved by Central Coast Council.

Queensland-based childcare company Eden Academy purchased the site next to the club before lodging the development application (DA) in September last year.

The council this month approved the plans, which include a slight variation to the number of staff from 18 full-time staff to 20.

Plans have been approved for a $2.3 million, 90-place childcare centre on The Entrance Rd at Long Jetty by Brisbane based company Eden Academy. Artist's impression of how it would look. Image: supplied

This increase was sought after the applicant subsequently reviewed the centre’s proposed operations and discovered it required two additional full-time staff to meet the minimum staff-to-student ratio.

“The proposed increase in the number of staff, does not alter the hours of operation or the number of carparking spaces required for the proposed development or alterations to the footprint or design of the centre-based child care facility,” council’s DA assessment report states.

“The proposed development is compatible with the adjoining development, which are commercial and residential in nature and will have minimum environmental impact.”

Artist's impression of the driveway out of the centre. Image: supplied

Artist's impression of the drop off, front entry of the centre. Image: supplied

The centre is Eden Academy’s second foray into NSW after opening a childcare centre at South Coogee.

The centre features a two story building catering for 90 children, 20 staff and 22 parking spaces, which is half a space less than required under the planning controls.

However the DA described the shortfall as “only minor” and would be acceptable because the centre is located next to an existing bus stop and staff would be encouraged to car pool.

The site currently includes a vacant block and empty fibro house. Picture: Google

The key areas of the centre will be linked by level or ramped footpaths, which are accessible to prams and wheelchairs.

The operating hours are from 6:30am to 6:30pm Monday to Friday.

According to the plans all outdoor play areas are orientated away from the existing

residential properties to the north and west, while the second storey outdoor play area above the carpark will feature acoustic roofing to minimise impacts to properties to the north.

The childcare centre will be built on lots 309 (highlighted) and 311 (vacant) The Entrance Rd next to Diggers. Picture: supplied

“The noise barriers for the outdoor play area would comprise the proposed timber cladding topped with clear Perspex balustrade, and backing the slatted balustrade with perspex,” the DA states.

“It is considered that the proposed child care centre complies with the visual and acoustic

criteria under the Child Care Planning Guideline in that the building has been orientated such

that outdoor play areas are orientated to the south (away from adjoining residential properties)

or acoustically screened (upper outdoor play area).”