Wandal homes to be demolished for Eden Academy childcare centre

Three homes will be demolished for the construction of a 90-space boutique and holistic childcare centre in Rockhampton. See the plans here.

Boutique and holistic childcare company Eden Academy will expand to Rockhampton with a new centre in Wandal.

Homes are set to be demolished in Wandal to make way for a new holistic and boutique childcare centre.

Eden Academy, which is “dedicated to fostering mindfulness into little beings from 6-weeks to school age”, had its 90-space childcare centre approved by Rockhampton Regional Council in June last year for the site which includes the homes at 7 and 11 Murray St and 25 Gillespie St, across from The Hall State School.

The outdoor play area of the new Wandal Eden Academy. Renders: ON Architecture.

The centre will have 15 full-time staff and operate from 6.30am to 6.30pm, Monday to Friday.

The approved floor plans include six dedicated activity spaces, a multipurpose room, outdoor play areas on ground and upper floor levels, amenities, reception, as well as staff and service areas.

Pedestrian and vehicle access to and from the centre would be from entry and exit only driveways on Murray Street.

The approval conditions include acoustic fencing between 1.8 and 2.5 metres high on both streets.

Tenders were opened last month for the construction and demolition works for the project.

Floor plan for the layout of the childcare centre.

Floor plan for first floor of the new childcare centre.

Renders of the Eden Academy Wandal. Renders: ON Architecture.

There are currently 11 Eden Academy centres across Queensland and another six are under construction to open this year, including one in Mackay.

The company’s website states its curriculum is “guided by activities that will encourage age-appropriate development, under the guise of freedom and play”.

“Curriculum might sound like a big word for little people. But here at Eden, we like to frame our days with purpose and objectives. Sometimes those objectives are a bit elusive, like ‘time on the grass’ or ‘experimenting with sounds’. Other times they’re clearer, like Yoga, dance, painting and pen skills,” the site says.

The Wandal facility will be double-storey with a car park under the shade of the top storey. Renders: ON Architecture.

The centres also have an on-site kitchen and offer “nutritious food” to the children.

“Growing brains and bodies need a banquet of healthy meals and snacks to keep them going. Meals and snacks are made from an abundance of local produce with the fussiest eater in mind. From an early morning muffin to a late afternoon snack, our tummies are full and satisfied,” the website says.

Originally published as Wandal homes to be demolished for Eden Academy childcare centre