Walkers Rd Lara childcare centre planned for 70 spaces
A new double-storey childcare centre earmarked near Lara station features “expansive” play areas, plans reveal.
Geelong
Don't miss out on the headlines from Geelong. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Plans have been lodged with the City of Greater Geelong for a 70-space childcare centre in Lara.
A planning report, compiled by project management firm Permits Hub Pty Ltd on behalf of developers Arkle Homes, would transform 32 Walkers Rd, Lara into a double-storey childcare centre.
The building would have four rooms, with one 22-child room on the ground floor, and three rooms on the first floor of 16, 20 and 12 children respectively.
The ground floor would also include several amenities, including reception, kitchenette, storage and offices, as well as a 165 sqm play space.
The first floor, accessed via lift, would also feature a “large, expansive play area” overhanging the rear parking area and front entry way.
The centre would have an external play area of 506 sqm.
The childcare centre would operate between 6.30am to 6.00pm, and although it will have a maximum capacity of 70 children, numbers would be “staggered throughout the day” and would likely reach 70 per cent capacity during “peak hours” of 12pm to 3pm, according to the plans.
The centre would employ seven staff members, including admin and support staff.
According to planning documents, the proposed site is a “strategic location”, well-served by public transport including trains and buses.
“The subject walkable catchment to the Lara Station and town centre ensuring (sic) it is a prime location for a childcare centre servicing the residential community need,” planning documents read.
Plans for the centre also include provisions for 13 parking spaces.
“The proposal incorporates sufficient parking areas well screened from streetscape with appropriate landscaping areas, all ensuring a design that is respectful to the surrounding character and minimises amenity impacts,” planning documents said.
In July, the Geelong Advertiser revealed pregnant women were putting their unborn children on years-long waiting lists as the region struggles to meet the demand for services.
Waitlists can range up to three years.
More Coverage
Originally published as Walkers Rd Lara childcare centre planned for 70 spaces
Dad bashed just hours after mum died, assault splits family
A court has been told of the “unique” circumstances that led to man assaulting his dementia-suffering father, just days before the 86-year-old died.
Man taken to hospital following vehicle accident at FedEx
A man believed to be in his 60s has been injured in a vehicle accident at a major international shipping organisation.
$400k of illegal tobacco seized as cops swoop on smoke shops
More than $400,000 of illegal tobacco has been seized and four people arrested after Geelong police swooped on multiple shops allegedly selling illicit cigarettes and vapes.
Joeys well-placed for big boost as coach pays tribute to late great
One of the Joeys’ most important players is right in contention to return, but it’s not a done deal yet. Plus, their coach Ron Watt has opened up on the death of the late Frank Fopiani.
Fresh plea to avoid Barwon Heads beach as sharks circle
A fresh warning has been issued at Thirteenth Beach following reports sharks are still moving in close to shore due to the lingering remains of a dead whale carcass.
Safety watchdog to investigate near drowning in St Leonards
The state’s work safety watchdog will launch an investigation into a near fatal drowning in St Leonards that saw two people rushed to hospital.