‘Net community benefit’: Grovedale childcare centre proposal in the hands of Geelong council

Almost 100 children could be accommodated at a childcare centre off Torquay Rd if the plans are given the green light by Geelong council.

There are plans for a childcare centre on Heyers Rd in Grovedale.

A childcare centre in Geelong’s south capable of accommodating almost 100 children will help address strong demand in the area but City Hall must first give the proposed development its tick of approval.

Plans for the two-level facility at 38 Heyers Rd, 500m west of Torquay Rd and opposite Grovedale Community Hub, come after the 1804sq metre site was sold for $1.05m in March last year.

Up to 17 staff would be employed to look after 93 children at the centre, according to the application.

The proposed opening hours are 6.30am to 7pm, Monday to Friday.

Play areas scattered across the site would see children “distributed over a large area and not isolated in one location”.

The application explains that nearby properties would not be negatively impacted by the $2m project that town planning firm Apex said would create a “net community benefit”.

“The proposed use and development of this land for a childcare centre is ideally suited to the site and the location,” it states.

“Combined with the acoustic fencing, there will be no unreasonable noise impacts.

“Planning policy has been achieved and the usage will provide a needed service to the local community.”

A render of the proposed childcare centre.

The L-shape building includes a small upper level and is set back from all boundaries, while the site would feature a variety of landscaping to enhance its visual appeal.

“The design outcome ensures that there will be no unreasonable visual amenity impacts and while the design is contemporary, the low-scale nature of this and the setbacks ensure it sits comfortably within the context of the site,” the application states.

“The site is well positioned with easy access to a main road and a public transport routes.”

An on-site car park would provide 20 spaces.

The plans are out for public feedback until May 29.

Meanwhile, Goodstart Early Learning’s centre in Newtown will be redeveloped.

Located at 15 Aberdeen St, capacity will increase by around 30 per cent once completed.

Originally published as ‘Net community benefit’: Grovedale childcare centre proposal in the hands of Geelong council