79 Showground Rd, Castle Hill: Plans to refurbish childcare centre due to asbestos and defects found
A beloved northwest Sydney childcare facility that’s been around for more than 60 years is set an overhaul after asbestos and faulty framework were uncovered.
Hills Shire
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A northwest Sydney childcare centre that’s been around for more than 60 years is in dire need of building works to remove the asbestos and undergo refurbish works.
The facility at 79 Showground Rd, Castle Hill, first opened in the 1970s and was recently under the management of Early Learning Centre until November 2023.
The site acquired new tenants, LA Castle Hill Pty Limited (LACH), in March 2024 and plans for upgrade works have been lodged to Hills Shire Council.
A statement of environmental effects, compiled by Think Planners on behalf of the developer, outlines the most recent modification of the site was more than 20 years ago.
“At the time of taking occupation of the Property, the Lessee (LACH) knew that the buildings were in a poor state of repair and not suitable for continued use without refurbishment,” the report states.
The 1970 approval detailed the building contained corrugated asbestos roofing, which over time can deteriorate and release small amounts of asbestos fibres.
Asbestos was used predominantly throughout the 1950s and 1990s before being banned in Australia in 2003.
An audit of the childcare facility was done and found “the majority of the cladding and linings were asbestos”, along with “defective framework, non-compliant framework and framework”.
LACH has since lodged plans to modify a development plan, seeking to remove the asbestos, replace the defective framework, refurbish the front of the building and the outdoor play area.
The report also states the desire to “marginally” reduce the maximum capacity of children from 48 to 46.
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