Plans lodged with council for 110-place ECEC service in Bacchus Marsh

Victoria’s Moorabool Shire Council has received plans detailing a $2 million 110-place early childhood education and care (ECEC) service on a vacant block at the corner of Gisborne Road and the Western Freeway westbound on-ramp. 

 

Submitted by Bacchus Marsh Holdings, the plan follows an approval given to the developer last year to construct a petrol station and Hungry Jacks on the adjacent site, subject to “a potential community-oriented use” for the remaining 2,400 square-metre parcel of land.

 

A planning report prepared for the project by SJB Planning states the proposal will be for “a centre that provides 110 childcare places, with a building footprint of 883 square metres, 787 square metres of outdoor play area and 26 car parking spaces.”

 

According to the report the proposed service meets the criteria of a community facility that services the needs of Bacchus Marsh and the greater Shire’s townships and settlements, taking “full advantage of the main road address, with the development being well executed, architecturally designed and conceived”.

 

Vehicles will access the proposed carpark via an accessway from the proposed adjacent development connecting with Gisborne Road or Clifton Drive. Pedestrian access will be via a previously approved walkway adjacent to the northern boundary of the neighbouring site.

 

“This approved walkway will provide an east-west linkage through the site, connecting with the existing footpath on Gisborne Road and any potential residential development that may eventuate to the west of the site,” the report states.

 

“Traffic and parking associated with the development will be appropriately managed by providing sufficient car parking on-site and providing adequate access and egress arrangements for all vehicles expected to utilise the facility.”

 

To access the submission, see here.