Plans for a two-storey $2 million childcare centre at a former petrol station site in Eden Hill that has been vacant for almost 22 years have been recommended for approval.
The proposal, which will be considered by the Metro Inner Development Assessment Panel on August 20, will accommodate up to 55 children aged up to 5 years old and 12 staff.
According to the proposal, the centre at 72 Walter Road East will operate only on weekdays between 7am and 6pm.
The design, which went through several iterations through a Design Review Panel process, says it draws inspiration from nearby heritage-listed Eden Hill Primary School and local character, with the development using red brick, white weatherboard cladding, and a pitched roof form.
The design also includes circular shaped windows, charcoal-coloured window and door frames, and dark roofing and awnings.
Camera IconThe proposed Eden Hill childcare centre. Credit: Germand Designs
The ground floor of the two-storey building will have the main entry, kitchen, preparation rooms, nappy change facilities, three activity rooms for different age groups, and a cot room with its own window.
The first floor is for staff and administration containing a staff room, amenities, planning office, and a laundry.
The rear of the building, on the northern side, will have a 389sqm outdoor play area with native sensory gardens, shared zones, natural play elements such as a creek and water pump, and a range of trees.
Camera IconPlans for the Eden Hill childcare centre. Credit: Development Application
There will be eight on-site car parking bays, including one ACROD bay and two dedicated staff bays on the Marion Street verge.
Vehicle access will be restricted to Marion Street, with the perimeter of the site having a 2.1m-high solid fencing, besides the street corner, which will have permeable fencing.
Camera IconAn artist’s impression of the Eden Hill childcare centre. Credit: Germand Designs
Camera IconAn artist’s impression of the Eden Hill childcare centre. Credit: Germand Designs
The subject site was originally developed and used as a service station in about 1958 and was used until the building was demolished in 2004.
It is understood that remediation works were undertaken on the lot in subsequent years.
In 2021 the site was reclassified under the Contaminated Sites Act 2003 as decontaminated and suitable for all land uses.
Under conditions of the approval, an investigation for soil and groundwater contamination is required and if contamination is found, remediation must be completed and validated before a building permit is issued.
The subject site has remained vacant since this time, with the exception of a billboard which was approved in 2013 and remained in place until 2018.
If approved, it will be valid for four years but will lapse if the development is not substantially commenced.