Bomaderry: $1.4m plans by Cyclo Group for mixed-use child care and medical facility revealed

An old squash court and gym could be transformed to address the need for child care in the Nowra area, with plans lodged to develop a child care centre and medical facility.

A look at the proposed child care centre and medical facility for Bomaderry.

An old squash court and gym could be transformed to address the need for child care in the Nowra area, after developers submitted plans for a child care centre and medical facility.

The $1.4m Bomaderry plans were submitted to the Shoalhaven Council by the Cyclo Group, which are known for designing and developing child care facilities.

Cyclo Group business development manager Kerrin Nuthall said the facility would bring much needed child care to the town.

“There is definitely a lack of child care in Bomaderry,” he said. “And with it being so close to the highway and houses, it’s the perfect spot.”

The plans would see the old two-storey squash court and gym, located at 1 Narang Rd, repurposed into the mixed-use structure, with a child care centre on the ground floor and medical facility on top.

Cyclo Group business development manager Kerrin Nuthall.

“It’s a very good reuse of the facility and rather than demolishing the building, being able to use the asset that’s there and being able to capitalise on what’s there is perfect,” Mr Nuthall said.

“There also won’t be the need for a heap of extra construction, mainly just tree removal, renovations and the expansion onto the existing building, which is why the cost is also quite low.”

The child care centre has been designed to facilitate up to 124 children.

Development application (DA) documents reveal the child care facility will be built to cater 124 children, with two nurseries and four rooms for toddlers, as well as catering for 20 staff members.

“The medical facility will act as a small health hub, which we believe is also needed in Bomaderry,” Mr Nuthall said.

“There will also be room for a few small office spaces, which will be put out for lease.”

The idea of a new child care centre has been welcomed by Bomaderry residents, who agree there is a lack of centres in the area.

“Child care spaces are very much needed and there is always room for more medical centres,” Kimberly Rollo said.

“Office spaces could be hard to fill though, just look at The Iconic in town which has maybe one or two businesses in it, while the rest remains empty.”

Another resident, Shell O’Driscoll said the proposal was “needed”.

“It’s a great idea, definitely needed in the area,” she said.

Mr Nuthall said he was eager to get started on the construction as soon as possible.

“I think, given the cost, location and frankly, the whole idea, council shouldn’t have any problems with approving the DA,” he said.

Community submissions on the proposal are open to the public on the Shoalhaven Council website until July 26.