Toowoomba’s Cherubs Early Learning, Westbrook’s Little Locals Early Learning head to market through Stonebridge Property Group

Two childcare centres are earning the interest of big investors after they hit the market at the same time. The agents behind the listings say the industry has never been stronger.

The Little Locals Early Learning centre on Main Street in Westbrook has hit the market through Stonebridge Property Group.

A pair of Toowoomba childcare centres could be sold for millions after they were listed on the market separately through the same agency.

Stonebridge Property Group is handling the offering of Cherubs Early Learning and Kindergarten centre on Raff Street in Toowoomba City and Little Locals Early Learning on Main Street in Westbrook through expressions of interest sales.

While Cherubs has been in operation for more than a quarter of a century, Little Locals opened late last year to match the growth of Westbrook.

The two sites feature leases of 15 and 20 years respectively, and are close to residential areas and other schools.

The Little Locals Early Learning centre on Main Street in Westbrook has hit the market through Stonebridge Property Group.

Lead agent and Stonebridge partner Tom Moreland said the centres were likely to earn strong interest from private investors and property groups, pointing to the long leases, strong rental return and essential nature of the industry.

“The childcare sector is shaping up very strongly, off the back of the Covid period where other industries struggled, it was the single industry the federal government put its weight around,” he said.

“Continued investment on the government’s behalf gives investors a lot of confidence.

“It’s become a hot election topic, with both sides looking at enhancements to the childcare structure.”

The Cherubs Early Learning centre on Raff Street in Toowoomba City has hit the market through Stonebridge Property Group.

Mr Moreland said the tenants paid all ongoing costs, while each centre was locked in to three per cent annual rent increases.

Stonebridge partner Michael Collins said Toowoomba had been a historically-strong market for childcare centres.

“Regional property markets have performed considerably well in recent times, with Toowoomba remaining one of the most sought after regional destinations,” he said.

“Strong public and private sector investment is spurring on continued growth through the Toowoomba region, with current activity in Westbrook a fantastic example of this.”

The expressions of interest periods end on April 11.