Plans for Lara childcare centre revealed

PLANS for a $1.9 million childcare centre in Lara with proximity to the train station and Princes Freeway have been made available for public comment.

The planning application before the City of Greater Geelong seeks permission to use land occupied by a four-bedroom, two-bathroom house for the development of a childcare centre.

The 3252sq m property at 41 Rennie St was sold by Werribee-based Harry Joura Real Estate in November 2017.

The site, situated on the southeastern corner of Rennie St and Archimedes Ave, has dual-road frontage.

A report prepared by the Ellis Group Architects proposes the development of a contemporary single-storey structure positioned well back from all boundaries, with a 34space carpark accessed directly off Rennie St.

It is indicated the 152-child centre will most likely operate between 6.30am and 7pm, Monday to Friday, with “most children” dropped off at the premises after 8am and collected about 5pm.

The plans include an office and reception area at the entry near to a kitchen and staffroom.

This leads to a centralised piazza area that will provide direct access to three children’s rooms and to a passageway that accesses a further five children’s rooms, toilets and a laundry.

Six of the children’s rooms have direct access to art rooms and bathrooms.

The remaining two have access to bathrooms and cot rooms

Each of the children’s rooms has been designed to have direct access to an external play area.

Ellis Group Architects suggests the new facility would address an “under supply of childcare facilities in Lara”.

The planning application is on public display until Friday, April 27.