First look at Geelong Orana Early Learning, Community Children childcare centres
Millions could be spent on two new childcare centres in Geelong. Get the first look here.
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Two new multimillion-dollar childcare centres could be coming to Geelong, with plans now out for public consultation.
Plans for the new centres - in Highton and Grovedale - have been lodged with the City of Greater Geelong.
Begley Group submitted plans for a multi-level Highton centre at 22-24 Barrabool Rd, which
if approved would cost about $5.27m and cater for 106 children.
It’s understood the group is in lease negotiations with Orana Early Learning, which operates a centre in Belmont.
On its website, Orana claims to be a family owned and run centre which offers a “home away from home” for children.
Begley Group chief executive officer Jacinta Begley said the proposed centre had been purpose-designed by local architects.
“We aim to be operational by the end of 2026, subject to the planning process and
timing of approval,” Ms Begley said.
“We are a local developer, and we have taken the time to identify a community need
and acquired a site in a location that will provide the best access and benefit to the
wider community.”
Plans for the Highton centre include three storeys, a basement carpark and rooms overlooking Barrabool Rd.
The $1.9m Grovedale centre is proposed for 33 Reserve Rd and expected to be operated under the name Community Children.
The proposed double storey building would be a maximum height of 8.5m, built to cater for a maximum of 96 children, aged from 0-6.
The centre would target working parents in the rapidly growing population of Grovedale and Armstrong Creek, with plans to open from 6.30am-6.30pm weekdays.
In 2022 a planning permit was granted for a six dwelling development and subdivision at the site but was not acted upon.
Plans for the Highton centre are open to public comment until May 1, while public consultation for the Grovedale proposal closes on May 7.
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Originally published as First look at Geelong Orana Early Learning, Community Children childcare centres
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