Work is due to start in May on the Stanley Street centre.

There are also plans to create a vegie garden so the children can plant their own produce, watch it grow and have the pleasure of eating it. A lamb or goat might also make an appearance, but not at the dinner table. 

Quinn and Narissa King say they will be offering something unique at their private Milestones Early Learning Centre – the rural experience.

The centre will be built on a large piece of semi-rural land which will leave them plenty of room for outdoor play.

Mr King yesterday said they had looked at 10 regional centres before making the decision to open Milestones in Bathurst.

“Bathurst came out on top for demand,” he said. “The council was very supportive.

“There are lots of industries and a strong community. We find these qualities very attractive.”

The purpose-built childcare centre will be developed by entrepreneur Bruce Bolam, who is tickled with the idea of expanding his portfolio to include an early learning centre.

It will be designed and leased long-term by the Kings, who already have two similar centres operating in Tamworth.

“It’s a great spot close to the city,” Mr Bolam said. “At 4000 square metres, there will be plenty of room.

“I believe the need is there for more childcare in Bathurst and that demand will only increase.

“It is the first time I have been involved in building a childcare centre and I’m very excited about the proposal.”

Mr Bolam said the development application for the centre had already been approved by Bathurst Regional Council and he was now waiting on the construction certificate before calling for tenders.

He expects to see work completed and the centre operational around October. 

Mr King said the new centre would cater for 88 children, aged 0-5 years, per day.

It will feature six specialised rooms, each designed to cater for the specific needs of the Milestones programs.

The centre will employ approximately 25 full-time and part-time childcare staff from the Bathurst community, along with an additional 10 casual cleaning team members. 

“We are all about preparing children for school,” Mrs King said. “Our centre will be open design, full of natural light. It will have a separate dining room for meal times and an undercover area for outdoor play when it rains. It will also feature an outdoor art studio.”

Mrs King said Milestones was taking inquiries online now. Visit www.milestoneselc.com.au and go to the Enrol Now tab.