89 place ECEC service proposed for base of unit block
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89 place ECEC service proposed for the base of residential apartment block in Cremorne
Jan 26, 2024
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A new 89 place early childhood education and care (ECEC) service has been proposed for the ground floor of an existing unit block at 40 Spofforth St Cremorne, with 28 residential units on the upper levels.
Local news source Mosman Collective reported on the development application, which is said to be slated for occupation by Croydon-based Dashing Ducks pre-school which will operate three classrooms in the development with 15 staff and 11 onsite car spaces allocated.
The development application also outlines plans to manage outdoor playtime each day, with a maximum of four hours per day, divided between morning and afternoon sessions.
Local families will be encouraged to walk or ride to the service instead of driving, with proposed opening hours of 7 am - 7 pm designed to meet the needs of working families. A coliving complex was initially proposed for the site, something which developer Anthony El-Hazouri said is a less viable option than the ECEC service.
“The lower north shore has a dire need for childcare places, with the majority of facilities having long waiting lists,” he shared with Mosman Collective.
By utilising the space for an ECEC service, he continued, affordable accommodation would be retained, with the additional benefit of additional ECEC places, and allowing the developer to upgrade the building.
Designed by Janssen, the new development plans show a communal open space for residents in the form of a terrace on Level One, improved accessibility with a lift to all floors, and entry to residential units separated from the ECEC service.
On the ground floor, the building plans show a reception space, a staff room, a kitchen, laundry, accessible bathroom and four classrooms: an 8 place room for children under one year of age, a 16 place room for children one to two years of age, a 25 place room for children aged between two and three years of age and a 40 place room for children aged between three and six years, which can be divided into a smaller space with temporary fencing if required, Mr El-Hazouri explained.
“We had rigorous independent parking studies and a report done to ensure the number of parking spaces, vehicular trips and the overall design do not adversely impact the local road network and its amenity,” Mr El-Hazouri said.
“As with all our developments, we look forward to working with our local community both during the development assessment stage as well as during construction and operation of this amazing facility.”
