Designed by Think Tank Architects, the proposal outlines a large two storey childcare centre over the site, with a maximum building height (over 9.5m high in some areas) surrounded by an existing residential area.
The proposal outlines plans to adaptively reuse the heritage church building as part of a new 145 place early childhood centre to be built on the church site and the adjoining site. Some minor demolition of original and non-original heritage building is proposed as part of the redevelopment. The new structures on the development site (raised platforms, decks and buildings) will maintain the views of the heritage place and prominence of the heritage building.
The existing church has been integrated into the design, forming part of the streetscape, while the existing dwelling will be demolished. The proposal includes acoustic mitigation measures, landscaping screening and setbacks, to avoid any unreasonable adverse impacts to neighbours.
The proposal outlines two elevated outdoor play areas, areas for undercover play, eight classrooms and 29 car parking spaces.
Slated to operate from 7am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, the services parking spaces would be in an undercroft, with vehicle access from Walnut Street, and pedestrian access from both street frontages.
“The proposal is generally consistent with the intent of the Community Facilities Zone within City Plan 2014 and represents substantial compliance with the assessment benchmarks of the applicable codes,” representatives from Bartley Burns note.
The proposal will not cause any significant impact on the surrounding area, instead providing for “a positive, functional development which will satisfy the needs of the local community and protect the surrounding streetscape”.
For supporting documents in relation to the application, please see here.
