By Matthew Sims
Cardinia Council has awarded a $7.63 million for the construction of a new childcare centre in the north-west of Pakenham.
Delivered thanks to a $9 million allocation from the State Government’s Building Blocks Capacity grants, the Thewlis Road Integrated Child and Family Centre (interim name) project would begin early next year, with the site situated at the intersection of Roderick Drive and Kenneth Road and co-located with the future Pakenham North West Primary School.
The project works would include:
* Three licenced kindergarten rooms including a kitchenette, children’s amenities, storerooms and outdoor play spaces;
* A multipurpose community room including kitchen, amenities and an outdoor community yard;
* Three consulting rooms;
* A shared waiting space and break-out area with privacy space;
* A staff planning office and interconnected meeting room area with an outdoor courtyard;
* Public amenities including an accessible toilet and a family changeroom; and
* Landscaping and carpark works.
Toomuc Ward councillor Stephanie Davies said the four rooms could allow for about 120 children to attend the childcare centre.
“I consider this as an incredible investment,” she said.
“Our littlest Victorians do deserve nothing less than the very best facilities.”
Ranges Ward councillor Jeff Springfield said while the population continued to grow, there would be a larger need for more childcare facilities.
“I think it’s exciting,” he said.
The public tender process for the engagement of a suitable commercial builder opened for submissions on Saturday 29 July and closed on Tuesday 12 September, with a total of seven conforming tender submissions received.
