Crows Nest childcare centre sells for circa $9 million to Sydney based operator

A purpose-built childcare centre at 8 Rodborough Avenue, Crows Nest has sold for circa $9 million to a local Sydney based owner-operator following a competitive Expressions of Interest campaign.

Colliers’ Tom Appleby and Marina Corvalan exclusively managed the on-market process on behalf of reputable Not-For-Profit organisation SDN Children’s Services.

The 75-place purpose-built childcare centre enjoys north-facing positioning at the end of a quiet cul-de-sac. The 1,473 sqm R4 High Density Residential‑zoned parcel of land benefits from strong future development potential; approximately 21 generously sized luxury apartments could be developed subject to approvals, similar to Abadeen’s Koyo development directly adjacent.

Whilst most of the interest was fielded from developers, the asset was ultimately sold to a local Sydney based childcare operator Discover My World Early Learning Centre, looking to expand into the North Shore. Discover My World intends to refurbish the building in December, further enhancing the property’s functionality and environments, ahead of opening early in the new year.

The outcome will undoubtedly be welcomed news to the local community following the highly controversial upcoming closure of Kelly’s Place Children’s Centre opposite the Crows Nest Metro Station. North Sydney Council has confirmed the existing childcare building will not be retained as part of the Hume Street Park redevelopment plans.

“The campaign highlighted the depth of demand for development opportunities underpinned by immediate occupation and investment flexibility. While the existing childcare operation provided an established use, the scale and high-density zoning of the landholding allowed buyers to also consider a luxury residential development. There’s an incredible amount of capital seeking opportunities in and around Crows Nest right now,” noted Tom Appleby, Colliers Head of Sydney North Sales.

Kay Turner, CEO of SDN Children’s Services advised, “For over 100 years, SDN has been part of the fabric of the Crows Nest community, supporting generations of children and families. While it is difficult to say goodbye to a site with such a rich history, we are proud that the proceeds from this sale will help continue SDN’s legacy by investing in areas where affordable early childhood education is most needed. We are pleased with the outcome and what it will enable us to achieve.”

Isabel Rafidi from Discover My World added, “Preserving the existing use of the service allows us to provide an essential community benefit, while ensuring SDN’s 100-year legacy is respected and carried forward into the future. We look forward to welcoming local families in early 2027, and to expanding the DMW community.”

The sale builds to a series of recent Colliers transactions across the precinct, including 102 Alexander Street Crows Nest, 6-8 Falcon Street Crows Nest, 154 Pacific Highway Greenwich and 194 & 196A Miller Street North Sydney.