Toowoomba childcare centre planned for Kleinton near Highfields by Hallmark Property
One of the Toowoomba region’s fastest-growing communities could soon have access to more childcare services — but a big hurdle remains for the developer.
Development
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A new purpose-built childcare centre for 140 kids has been planned for one of the Toowoomba region’s fastest-growing communities.
Hallmark Property has lodged plans with the Toowoomba Regional Council to build a 1200 sqm facility on a large parcel of land along Kleinton Road in Kleinton, just north of Highfields.
The new centre would act as a northwest tip of and service Hallmark Property’s Wirraglen Highfields estate, which is currently being built.
According to the report by Precinct Urban Planning’s Andrew Bullen, the new facility would cater for newborns right up to five-year-olds.
The building would be accompanied by more than 40 parking spots.
“The internal configuration of the childcare centre will consist of a reception area, staff offices and amenities, kitchen and five main areas designed for specific age groups,” Mr Bullen wrote.
“The site will be purpose-built to accommodate the use and has been designed to respond to the characteristics of the subject site.
“The proposed development will be constructed with high quality, contemporary building materials that are attractive, durable and require minimal maintenance.
“The proposed development does not involve the use of highly reflective materials/finishes which will detract from the character or amenity of the surrounding locality.”
Existing structures on the site would be demolished to make way for the childcare centre.
Extra reports into traffic, stormwater and environmental noise impacts were also lodged with the council.
If approved, it would be Kleinton’s first childcare centre and help service the growing community along with Highfields and Meringandan West.
Kleinton has seen an extraordinary population boom in recent years, with the 2021 census recording 2200 people living there — up from 1600 in 2016.
Because the application is impact-assessable, community consultation will need to be run by the developer and it will likely head to a special meeting of council.
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