Excellence in Education: Plans for childcare precinct at Gilston Lifestyle Village

Plans have been unveiled for a “childcare precinct” on the Gold Coast as the industry faces significant pressure. FIND OUT MORE

Plans have been unveiled for a “childcare precinct” in the Gold Coast’s Hinterland in a bid to relieve pressure on the sector.

Excellence in Education has lodged plans for the complex, which is earmarked for a vacant site within the 58,715 sqm Gilston Lifestyle Village.

The centre, on Gilston Road, will have space for 114 children and will cover a 4000 sqm section of the village area, with 18 staff servicing the students.

The childcare building proposed would cover 1157 sqm and will have a “well-designed and functional outdoor play area” covering 1318 sqm.

Artist impression a proposed childcare centre at Gilston on the Gold Coast. Picture: Supplied

“The proposal has been designed to integrate with the surrounding area while delivering a high-quality childcare facility that meets the growing needs of the community,” a report lodged with council reads.

“The proposed development will assist in the delivery of essential community infrastructure within an emerging residential catchment.”

The centre will feature six activity rooms, a sleep area and outdoor place spaces.

According to the plans, it will have 29 car spaces on-site, with 16 for staff.

The childcare precinct will border a proposed commercial development which is yet to be unveiled.

It is the latest in a series of childcare developments proposed in the past year, including:

* A 5001 sqm site on Worongary’s Quambone St earmarked for a two-storey childcare centre which will have room for 136 students.

* Hollywood film director Baz Luhrmann’s former production headquarters in Miami, which will be transformed into a childcare centre.

A report lodged with the council late last year warned the city urgently needs more childcare centres as the Gold Coast’s population continues to rise.

Artist impression a proposed childcare centre at Gilston on the Gold Coast. Picture: Supplied

“The population of the catchment is projected to increase from 20,671 people in 2023, to 21,505 people in 2026, 22,711 people in 2031 and 24,171 people by 2036,” the report reads.

“More than 50 per cent of families in the catchment have dependent children and this indicates a community with existing and growing needs for childcare services based on the socio-demographic characteristics of residents and households.

“There are currently two long-day childcare centres, supporting a total of 150 places.

“There are no approved centres within the wider catchment.”

The report warned the construction of two major developments in the area will create an extra 6000 houses in the area in the coming decade.

“It is noted that the SkyRidge project (3500 planned dwellings) and Breakwater project (2,750 planned dwellings) are both located outside but proximate to the catchment area, so demand from both of these development areas has therefore not been included in the analysis,” it reads.

“The Busy Bees Academy childcare centre (in Merrimac) was closed in 2020 (and) was licensed for 140 places.

“There is an estimated undersupply of 208 childcare places within the catchment in 2023. Assuming no additional supply is developed by 2026, the estimated undersupply within the catchment is estimated to increase to 242 places.

“Undersupply will increase further to 291 in 2031 and to 351 by 2036 as a result of population growth within the catchment.”