New child care centre proposed for Emerald families needing support

More families could have access to child care services through the development of a new centre in the heart of Emerald, which will cater for almost 100 children. Full details here.

A proposed development for a new child care centre at Emerald could allow more parents to return work by providing a service for more than 90 children across the community.

The centre, if approved, would accommodate 92 children between the ages of zero and 12, providing both child care and after school care.

A development application has been submitted on behalf of Barry Investment Trust to establish the centre on two lots of land at 42 Retro Street, on the corner of Retro and Esmond Streets, totalling 2171 sqm.

According to the planning report, the proposed development would support a need within the Emerald community for more childcare services.

The proposed development would be located at Retro Street, Emerald.

“The proposed development will contribute to the economic development of the town and will provide additional employment opportunities within the town,” it stated.

“The proposed development will also service a significant need for additional child care spaces, which in turn will enable additional people living in Emerald to return to the workforce.

“Emerald is a town that is characterised as having many young families. In order to ensure those families are able to remain and prosper within the region additional child care services are required.”

To separate all age groups, the centre would house five large rooms for child caring, a designated sleep area, offices, reception, kitchen, amenities, storage and utility areas, verandas, and outdoor play areas.

Carparking would be located on the west side (Retro Street) of the site, with the main pedestrian entrance on the western side to reception through the secure porch.

The layout of the proposed child care centre.

Landscaping would be added to the front and side of the area, with additional vegetation in garden beds to provide shade in the carparking area.

An acoustic timber pailing fence would also be erected along part of the northern, and southern boundary and along the entire eastern boundary.

The proposed development is located within existing residential areas with proximity to major transport routes and business areas, nearby two already established kindergartens and primary schools.

The report states the central location will allow parents to easily drop off and retrieve children on their way to work or other schools.

Originally published as New child care centre proposed for Emerald families needing support