First look: New long childcare centre flagged for Hills Rd, Marong

A developer has proposed to build Marong’s first long daycare with space for 100 kids ahead of an anticipated population boom.

A developer has proposed a childcare centre for 100 kids on Hills Rd, Marong. Picture: Contributed.

A developer is planning to build Marong’s first long daycare with space for 100 kids ahead of an anticipated population boom.

The childcare centre would be built on a vacant lot on Hills Rd next to the new 226 home residential development Discover Marong on the east side of town.

The 834sq m building would have six childcare rooms and outdoor 700sq m of play spaces with artificial turf.

A developer has proposed a childcare centre for 100 kids on Hills Rd, Marong. Picture: Contributed.

The childcare would operate from 6.30am to 6.30pm Monday to Friday and have 22 on-site carparking spaces accessed from Malone Park Rd.

Town planner Raph Krelle said the project would address a “community need” with Marong’s population expected to grow by 66 per cent between 2023 to 2036.

“There are no childcare centres in Marong and projected population growth to 2036 indicates there will be significant demand for new child care places in the area,” he said.

“The site is conveniently located in relation to Marong, being on the Bendigo side of the township, which will facilitate drop offs and pick-ups as (parents) travel to work and the broad range of facilities that is available in Bendigo.

A developer has proposed a childcare centre for 100 kids on Hills Rd, Marong. Picture: Contributed.

“The use will have little impact on neighbouring property owners apart from noise of children playing and minor general activity. These emissions will be appropriate.”

This comes as a contentious new “commercial hub” shopping centre and service station for Marong has been put before Bendigo council, with debate over whether it is “appropriate” for the town.

The council identified Marong as a “satellite” township that would have an ultimate population growth of up to 8000.

The population of Marong – Rural West is more than 5500, a major jump from the 2000 recorded in the 2021 census.

Future development beyond the 8000 population threshold would be limited by the council to protect farmland and agricultural operations.