Two multimillion dollar early learning settings planned for Geelong

Plans for two new multimillion-dollar early learning settings in Highton and Grovedale have been lodged with the City of Greater Geelong and are now open for public consultation.

Begley Group submitted plans for a multi-level long day care centre at 22-24 Barrabool Rd, Highton, which if approved would cost about $5.27m and cater for 106 children.

Local news source The Geelong Advertiser reports that the group is in lease negotiations with Orana Early Learning, which operates a centre in Belmont.

Begley Group chief executive officer Jacinta Begley told the paper that the proposed centre had been purpose-designed by local architects.

“We aim to be operational by the end of 2026, subject to the planning process and timing of approval,” Ms Begley said.

“We are a local developer, and we have taken the time to identify a community need and acquired a site in a location that will provide the best access and benefit to the wider community.”

The three storey build features a basement carpark and activity rooms for children overlooking Barrabool Rd.

33 Reserve Rd Grovedale is the proposed site for the second build, which is expected to be operated under the name Community Children.

The proposed double storey building would be a maximum height of 8.5m, built to cater for a maximum of 96 children, aged from birth to six years, and would seek to enrol families from the rapidly growing populations of Grovedale and Armstrong Creek.

Plans for the Highton centre are open to public comment until 1 May 1, while public consultation for the Grovedale proposal closes on 7 May.

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