Bomaderry: Community reveal ‘major’ issued with proposed $1.4m child care centre

Mixed opinions have emerged over plans to transform an old squash court and gym into a childcare centre and medical facility in Nowra. Here’s the latest.

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

Community members have voiced traffic concerns regarding a new childcare centre and medical facility proposed for a south coast town.

The $1.4m Bomaderry plans were submitted to Shoalhaven Council in 2023 by the Cyclo Group, which are known for designing and developing childcare facilities.

Planning documents reveal an existing squash court and gym, located at 1 Narang Rd, would be repurposed into the facility, with a childcare centre on the ground floor and medical facility on top.

Cyclo Group business development manager, Kerrin Nuthall, said the facility would bring much-needed childcare 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.”

Business Development manager for the Cyclo Group, Kerrin Nuthall.

Mr Nuthall said repurposing was cost efficient.

“Being able to use the asset that’s there and being able to capitalise on what’s there is perfect,” he said.

“There also won’t be the need for extra construction, which is why the cost is low.”

However, more than a year since the development was proposed, members of the community have voiced their concerns with the plans.

Bomaderry apartment building owner Mohamed Sabra, whose unit block sits just south of the proposed location, said the new facilities would cause “major” traffic issues.

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

“On our property to the south, which neighbours the proposed works has a “right of way” for council, Origin Energy, Emergency services etc,” he said.

Mr Sabra said the facility’s proposed car park – which holds up to 54 cars – would create right of way issues with his apartment building and surrounding businesses.

“We have a gate in that corner which was discussed previously with council for emergency access, as we have 40 townhouses being built and has only one entrance and exit towards the front of the property near the Princes Hwy,” he said.

“We are opposing the car park and fence blocking our gate and also being built on current right of way for all above mentioned. This is a major concern.”

Bomaderry resident Kylie Knight agreed, stating the car park would cause traffic congestion.

She said the proximity to Aldi would create a traffic nightmare.

“The Aldi Access is only accessible via the Narag Rd, Princes Hwy intersection,” she said.

“By increasing the traffic risk at this intersection, so too is the risk of a fatal crash increased.”

Mrs Knight urged the developers to investigate how the carpark and driveway to the already busy road could be made safer before council approved the plans.

The plans:

DA documents reveal the child care facility will 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.”

While some residents shared their concerns, others welcomed the proposal, telling this publication Bomaderry needed more childcare centres.

“Childcare 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.”

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.

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