150-year-old Stream Hill, Illawarra school could become multimillion-dollar childcare centre

A nearly 150-year-old heritage listed primary school in the state’s Illawarra could soon be repurposed into a state-of-the-art, multimillion-dollar childcare centre fit to cater more than 130 children. Here are the plans.

An artist impression of the proposed childcare centre. Picture: Supplied

A nearly 150-year-old Illawarra primary school could soon become a multimillion-dollar childcare centre with space for more than 100 children, if the ambitious plans are given the tick of approval.

The West Dapto Public School and headmaster’s residence was opened in 1882 at 150 Sheaffes Rd, Stream Hill, and are listed as heritage buildings by the NSW Government.

However, Sydney-based development firm “Childcare Developer” has lodged plans with Wollongong City Council to transform the land into a $2m childcare centre with room for 132 children.

Development documents – currently on public exhibition – also reveal additional construction alongside the historic building’s conversion, such as a new single-storey dwelling, and car parking.

A spokesman said the heritage building was currently being used as a small-scale preschool, but confirmed the development firm intended to refurbish the historic buildings into a modern childcare centre with the addition of new amenities.

The historic school opened in 1882. Picture: Supplied

“This application seeks approval for the adaptive re-use of heritage listed buildings, alterations and additions, and construction of a centre-based childcare facility,” he said.

The spokesman acknowledged the site’s historical significance and noted the development would not damage or alter the historical buildings significantly, but simply repurpose them.

If approved, the centre will operate Monday to Friday, 6am to 7pm. Picture: Supplied

A heritage impact statement tendered to the development reveals the Dapto school was closed in 1972, with no major alterations completed since.

The spokesman said this would remain the case, with the new plans retaining historical significance, while giving the facility new life.

Development plans reveal the removal of five trees, construction of a boundary fence, a new pathway, signage, landscaping, and the construction of 36 vehicle car parking.

Plans also reveal how the heritage listed school house will be utilised as an ‘infant room’ fitting a max of 10 children, while the headmasters residence will be converted to a meeting and staff room, fit with a kitchen, bathrooms, laundry, staff lockers, and sickbay.

The proposed facility will have spaced for 132 children. Picture: Supplied

West Dapto Public School’s $2m conversion plans will remain on public exhibition until late April.

If approved, the childcare centre will operate Monday to Friday, 7am to 6pm.

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Originally published as 150-year-old Stream Hill, Illawarra school could become multimillion-dollar childcare centre