STAFF and children from the Scallywags family will soon move back to their old premises after it underwent a complete transformation.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The upgrade has enabled all of Bathurst Regional Council's childcare services to come together and they will now be known as Bathurst Regional Council Children's Services.
The facility will provide long day care, inclusive of a preschool program and family day care.
The refurbished building was shown off on Monday, two weeks before the childcare services are set to move back to the site.
Coordinator Leanne McCurry said the services relocated to the children's services site in Lee Street during the construction phase, with placement numbers reduced to 40 for that transitional period.
Placements will increase to 60 with the move back to William Street.
Among the features of the building, which offers rooms dedicated to each age group, are new furniture and toys for the children.
"We actually invested a lot of money in beautiful hardwood furniture, so they'd be sustainable into the future," Ms McCurry said.
"Every new piece is all designed with the children in mind, so beautiful soft curves, all timber, all really child-friendly so they can access everything."
She said that the staff were really happy with the outcome of the renovations and are looking forward to moving in.
- WATCH: Take a look inside the updated Bathurst Regional Council Children's Services building.
The revamped building was officially opened by representatives of council and Member for Bathurst Paul Toole, who faced an audience of young children, parents, childcare staff and key figures from the design and construction phase.
Mayor Graeme Hanger said the building was sorely in need of an update and what was delivered was a great improvement.
"When I first saw this place, maybe 18 months, two years ago, we went for a walk-through and it reminded me of the preschool I had a little bit to do with when my kids were little, about 40 years ago," he said.
"It was in need of a re-furb and that's what we've got today."
Upgrading the facility came at a cost of $1.2 million, with a $100,000 contribution from the NSW Government under the Stronger Country Communities Fund.
Mr Toole said the building would be a "great community asset", making a difference in the lives of many children and their families.
He added that the building would enhance the quality care and education provided to children by staff.
"The kids, at the end of the day, their smiles on their faces are going to be the ones that tell the story and the success of how popular [the facility] is," Mr Toole said.