$5m Montessori childcare centre to replace vacant Belmore RSL

The former site of a beloved RSL could soon be transformed into a multimillion-dollar two-storey child care centre in Sydney’s southwest. See what is proposed.

A Montessori Academy has been proposed to replace the former site of the Belmore RSL.

The former site of a beloved RSL could soon be transformed into a multimillion-dollar two-storey child care centre in Sydney’s southwest.

A $5.4m development application has been submitted to Canterbury-Bankstown Council for a Montessori Academy at 427 Burwood Rd, Belmore.

The 2.2ha site of Belmore RSL has remained vacant since the club ceased operations in late 2019.

A Montessori spokeswoman said the academy secured a lease for the former Belmore RSL club site in late 2021 and would deliver “exceptional learning programs” for infant, toddler, and preschool children.

“Belmore is a vibrant suburb with fantastic local schools and promising community growth,” she said.

A Montessori Academy has been proposed to replace the former site of the Belmore RSL.

The spokeswoman said the academy was “confident” the new centre would be a “valuable addition to the Belmore community”.

“Not only will support working families and lay strong foundations to primary school, but it will also satisfy the growing appetite for educational alternatives to play-based childcare,” she said.

If approved, the Montessori Academy will operate across two floors with the ground level dedicated to a kitchen, laundry, reception, outdoor play areas and four indoor playrooms for children aged from zero to three years.

The first level will also have an outdoor play area, staff facilities and two indoor play areas for children aged between three to six years.

The facility will operate with a maximum capacity of 120 places with 32 allocated to zero to two years, 40 for two to three years and 40 for three to five years.

A total of 20 educators would work at centre with proposed operating hours from 7am to 7pm Monday to Friday, excluding public holidays.

A Montessori Academy has been proposed to replace the former site of the Belmore RSL.

The plans also proposed a reconfiguration of the car park to include 23 spaces, with 10 allocated to staff, 12 for parents and one accessible.

The proposed plans include a partial demolition of the roof for a new opening above the ground floor outdoor play area.

The construction of an upgraded accessibility ramp to enter the building will also be considered.

Planning documents recognise the site will provide “greater activation and surveillance of the public domain compared to the current vacant, under-utilised building”.

“The development will deliver a well-designed child care facility … within a prominent location that is well serviced by public transport,” the plans state.

Montesorri Academy has been contacted for comment.