Green light for childcare centre
THE owners of Grand Central have been approved to build a new childcare facility across the road from the massive shopping centre.
The Toowoomba Regional Council approved the new centre and office as part of five lots between Hill and Grange streets.
Queensland Investment Corporation was the developer behind the proposal, which will cater for nearly 120 children and 21 full-time staff once completed.
Council officer Geoff Broadbent said the centre would have a gross floor area of nearly 1000sq m, plus more than 870sq m of outdoor play areas.
“The Child Care Centre is proposed to be established within the existing building located over lot one which was most recently used as a café (Primal Pantry),” he wrote in his assessment report.
“The existing building will be extensively renovated and extended over Lot 6 to facilitate the proposed use.
“In addition to the renovations and extensions, outdoor play areas (including landscaping features) are proposed along the respective Hill and Grange St frontages of lots one and six.
“Two new street trees will also be planted along the Hill St frontage of the Child Care Centre.”
The initial planning report for QIC said the new facility would feature seven indoor activity rooms, four bathrooms, three preparation rooms, three outdoor storage areas, laundry, kitchen, cold room, interview room, office, reception and a staff room.
Mr Broadbent approved the application, imposing 110 conditions related to noise, traffic, tree protection, waste management and visual amenities.