Diamond Hills Preschool will undergo $3.69m redevelopment to boost preschool places

Diamond Hills Preschool located in Victoria’s Greensborough is set to undergo a $3.69 million redevelopment, boosting the number of funded preschool places for local children thanks to a $2.9 million funding contribution from the Victorian Government’s Growing Suburbs Fund.

 

The 35-year-old preschool will be completely rebuilt, with Nillumbik Shire Council carrying out the redevelopment as well as contributing $700,000, while the preschool itself, which is overseen by a committee of community volunteers, will also contribute $75,000.

 

The new building will provide a much-needed second classroom for the preschool as well as a multipurpose room, kitchen and store rooms, toilets including an all-abilities toilet, staff lounge and resource room, landscaping and 26 car parking spaces.

 

“Many families would have fond memories of Diamond Hills Preschool. However, with only one classroom, there is not enough space to cater for modern preschool programs including the introduction of 15 hours of funded three-year-old kinder without affecting total enrolments,” Mayor Frances Eyre explained. 

 

Once the renovation is completed the new building will have capacity for 120 enrolments, as well as scope to provide a range of services and programs for the broader community.

 

Ms Eyre thanked Vicki Ward for her advocacy on the community and Council’s behalf, and the Victorian Government for its significant financial support of a project which will benefit the  community for generations to come.

 

“I would also like to acknowledge the preschool volunteer committee members, staff and parents for the excellent service they provide our children and in getting the plans to where we see them today,” she added.

 

Commenting on the renovation, Diamond Hills Preschool President Julia Drew welcomed the funding announcement, describing it as “phenomenal news” for the kindergarten.

 

“The preschool first opened in 1986 with a second-hand building that was already about 10 years old,” she told local news source The National Tribune. 

 

“The new building will see the preschool through for another 50 years, and provide us with facilities that will complement our exceptional education programs for preschool children.”

 

With funding now secured, detailed designs for the building will be developed before construction is expected to start in 2023. The preschool will continue to operate from its current building while the new one is constructed on the existing car park.

 

To access the original coverage of this story please see here.