New Pod Portarlington childcare centre could host almost 100 kids

Plans before council would see a new childcare centre in a Bellarine town, with the capacity to host almost 100 children.

Concept designs of a new preschool in Portarlington. Picture: City of Greater Geelong

Plans before council would see a Bellarine town get a new childcare centre with the capacity to host close to 100 children.

The proposal for a $3m centre on Newcombe St in Portarlington went before the city last week.

The centre would have five separate rooms to accommodate children, with other rooms including an entry, kitchen, laundry, staff areas and amenities. There would be an outdoor play space of 676 sqm.

The proposed operating hours of the centre would be 6.30am to 6.30pm Monday to Friday.

The centre would be run by Pod, which runs three centres in Queensland.

On their website, Pod said it carefully selected the location of its schools to ensure they were part of an “education community”.

Concept designs of the proposed preschool in Portarlington. Picture: City of Greater Geelong

“We work alongside families, local schools and our local community to ensure that children are well prepared for their first year of formal schooling and their continued learning journey,” the Pod website reads.

The plan also seeks permission for Pod’s signage at the front of the building, which would not be illuminated.

A total of 20 parking spaces would be available at the centre, one short of what is usually necessary.

The report argues this should be allowed as there was adequate on-street parking nearby.

The plans will be up for public consultation until June 14.

Separate plans are also lodged at the same address for the $1.4m extension of the hall at an existing church building.

Concept designs of a new church hall in Portarlington. Picture: City of Greater Geelong

The planning report argues the current facility adjoining to St Andrew’s Portarlington United Church is no longer up to scratch and must be replaced

The hall extension plans were made public on May 15 and will be before council until June 4.

Originally published as New Pod Portarlington childcare centre could host almost 100 kids