A RESTRUCTURE of Bathurst Regional Council’s childcare services will see Little Scallywags on Havannah Street closed with all places transferred to a revamped Scallywags centre in the CBD.
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There will be no change in the total number of childcare places made available through council services but staff and children will benefit from a major $1.2 million upgrade of the William Street centre.
Parents at Little Scallywags have been notified of the planned changes as Bathurst Regional Council has lodged its own development application for an upgrade of the Scallywags centre that stands on 2357 square metres of land adjacent to Haymarket Reserve.
Money has been set aside in the 2018-19 budget to fund the work, while the state government has also kicked in $100,000 through the Stronger Country Communities Fund.
“The net increase in places the council offers is nil,” a spokesperson said.
“The market is not changing as a result of our works, just the way we deliver our service.”
A Statement of Environmental Effects that has been submitted with the DA details some of the improvements to the centre and notes at least seven trees will be removed as part of the redevelopment.
Included in the work will be a new entrance and foyer, along with a new reception and administration area, new co-ordinator’s office, new staff room and new cot room.
Workers will create a new 58.64 square metre play area to cater for 18 children aged four and five, and will upgrade a 48.83 square metre play area for 15 children aged two and three.
External works will include a new veranda extension off the play area for four and five-year-olds, new outdoor play storage area and an upgraded carpark.
“The proposed landscaping is based on previous experience in the Bathurst area and an appreciation of the local character, together with knowledge of tree and plant species that both grow well locally and fit within the Bathurst Regional Council’s requirements,” the SoEE states.
“The proposed landscaping produces a framework with species chosen from a selection of deciduous and evergreen vegetation.”
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