Oak Tree Academy childcare centre planned to Lockyer Valley council in Withcott, outside Toowoomba

A town just minutes from Toowoomba could be getting a new ‘premium’ childcare centre, after plans were lodged for a new 110-place facility.

A “premium” childcare centre with space for more than 100 kids has been proposed for a town just minutes out of Toowoomba, in a bid to take advantage of a perceived shortfall in long daycare services.

Brisbane-based developer Tsz Hin “Herman” Chan’s company LB6 Holding Pty Lts lodged plans with the Lockyer Valley Regional Council for a new facility along Biggs Road in Withcott, at the foot of the Toowoomba range.

The proposal, which would occupy land currently improved by a house, is just metres from Withcott State School.

Conceptual plans for the proposed Oak Tree Academy on Biggs Road in Withcott. Artwork by Raunik Design Group.

Designs show the new centre would be the new location for Oak Tree Academy, an up-market childcare provider in Brisbane and Ipswich that offered a “premium, full-service, early childhood education and experience”.

According to the report by Town Planning Alliance, the new academy would cater for children aged from 0 to five years within the local catchment.

“The proposed development consists of a single-storey structure that incorporates essential components such as carparking, servicing facilities, a reception area, internal and external play areas designed for children aged 0-5, amenities and laundries,” the report said.

“The proposed design aims to provide a well-rounded environment that caters to the needs of young children, ensuring their comfort and promoting their growth and development.”

Conceptual plans for the proposed Oak Tree Academy on Biggs Road in Withcott. Artwork by Raunik Design Group.

The application also included a childcare needs assessment report by firm Business Geographics, which concluded the centre would meet both the existing and future demands for childcare in and around Withcott.

“Overall, total demand exceeds supply in the local catchment and due to the limited childcare options, a significant proportion of the potential demand is either unserviced or directed elsewhere,” the report said.

“The development of the subject site would therefore be expected to retain or activate demand that is currently either serviced elsewhere or simply unrealised due to the very limited local childcare options.

“At current forecasts, it’s therefore estimated the local catchment could support an additional 100 to 120 places to 2028.”

The application is impact-assessable, meaning residents will be able to give feedback on the proposal.

The council has already submitted an information request relating to issues with retaining walls and service vehicle manoeuvring.