Thornleigh: Child care centre and residential hub proposal, 21-25 Thornleigh Street

A new child care centre and apartment building could soon become a reality after plans were submitted for a burgeoning suburb. Get your first look at the plans here.

A five-storey residential hub and child care centre could soon be part of Thornleigh’s rapidly changing skyline.

Development plans, valued at just over $9 million, have been lodged for a 72 place child care centre and 20 new apartments at 21-25 Thornleigh St, Thornleigh.

The proposed 1335 sqm site lies in a rapidly developing suburb and is nestled between modern four and five-storey apartment buildings, while the opposite side of the street consists of single-storey suburban homes.

It is located about 500m from Thornleigh Station and Thornleigh Marketplace.

What it could look like … artist impression by Urban Link

According to the developer’s plans, the child care centre would be located on the ground floor of the complex.

The centre would have space for 72 children, aged between zero and six years old, with 16 staff, including a full-time centre director and cook.

The proposed hours of operation are Monday to Friday, from 6:30am to 6pm.

An aerial view of the proposed development.

The four storeys above the child care centre would consist of 20 apartments, ranging in size from one bedroom to four bedroom units. The fifth storey would be a 278 sqm communal open space.

However, the developer’s plans do not comply with the height requirements set by Hornsby Council — current plans are for a building height of 19.3 metres, which is 2.8 metres higher than the maximum height standards set by council.

According to the developer, the communal space on the fifth storey will help to “soften and minimise” the building’s height.

The proposal would sit between other new apartment complexes.

As the proposal is also located in a high-density residential zone, the development application states the new apartments and a child care centre would help to cater for this area’s booming population.

“(This proposal will meet) the housing needs of the community within a high density residential environment,” planning documents state.

“The proposed ground floor childcare centre … (will meet) the day to day needs of residents.

“This proposal is a clear benefit to the community as it provides for not only the housing needs but also an essential public facility.”

This development application will be determined by The Hornsby Shire Council in the coming months.