Early site works are expected to begin this month to prepare for construction of a new kindergarten and maternal and child health centre in Lancefield.
A planning permit has now been approved for the project at 76A High Street, with the modern three-room facility to be complemented by accessible and secure entries as well as a dedicated rear playground area.
Early works will include the installation of temporary fencing, site clearing and levelling works, and installing building footings and stumps. This will prepare the site for installation of the modular buildings transported to site, building fit-outs, landscaping and all other required works.
Council’s director of community, Maria Weiss, said the priority project was expected to be operational by mid-2024.
“This project will provide many benefits for the community including increased kinder places for local children, local maternal and child health services, and space for community-based and supported playgroups,” she said.
“We’re grateful to many groups for collaborating with us to make this a reality including the Lancefield Park Recreation Reserve’s Committee of Management, the neighbouring Men’s Shed and the Lancefield Playgroup committee.”
Key features of the current site will be protected and retained, including heritage gate pillars at the entrance and the mature trees bordering the west and south of the site. The off-site construction of the modular buildings means a more efficient and less disruptive build.
The project has received $3 million in funding through the Victorian Government’s Building Blocks Capacity Building Grants stream and will be delivered by the Victorian School Building Authority.
The council has allocated a further $144,000 to ensure the new centre is fully furnished and has improved environmental and sustainable design elements.
