Genius Early Learning to build 91-place ECEC service in Koondoola WA

Genius Early Learning has been given approval to demolish three existing homes in the Perth suburb of Koondoola, Western Australia, replacing them with a $2.1 million 91-place early childhood education and care (ECEC) centre. 

A report to the Metro Outer Joint Development Assessment Panel said the scale and form of the $2.1 million build “reflected and respected the context and character of the site, taking the form of a single-story development with external finishes typical of a residential building”.

The centre will operate weekdays from 6:30 am to 6:30 pm. Outdoor play spaces and the carpark for the service have been located as far as practicable from existing residential properties, to minimise any noise impact. 

Public submissions were mostly in support of the development noting that it was a good location and would help meet the demand for childcare.

City officers recommended the proposal be conditionally approved because the development was “generally compliant with the relevant planning requirements” and was “capable of operating without impacting the operation of the existing road network”.

The developers made a range of changes to address the design review panel’s comments, such as increasing the setbacks and landscaping, installing visually permeable fencing along Callison Way, and relocating the staff room to provide surveillance of the front entry.

In moving to approve the proposal, City of Wanneroo Councillor Frank Cvitan said the plans met all the requirements and it would “provide a good service for the area”, while Councillor Vinh Nguyen said childcare was “much needed in the area”.

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