The construction of a new childcare centre in Manly is going ahead in February 2022, to meet the demand for long day care in the bayside.
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Long day care is a centre-based form of childcare service that typically provides all day care for children of working families. Long day care centres may be run by private operators, not-for-profit organisations, employers and community groups.
The 108-place childcare centre will cater to children ages 0-5 years old. It will feature two storeys with outdoor play and sleeping areas.
Located at 18-22 Ernest St, Manly, the project is estimated to cost around $10 million and is one of four new childcare projects on the bayside.
It’s located close to the upcoming 86-place Treehouse Early Learning Manly at 70 – 74 Ernest St and close to local services such as Manly Harbour Village and Wynnum Health Service in Manly West. It’s also within walking distance of Manly State School and Manly Train Station.
Echelon Property Group, who’s also behind the childcare centre along Stradbroke Avenue Wynnum, believe that despite the new childcare venues popping up around the bayside, there’s definitely no oversupply of centres in the area.
As of October 2020, which was the time the applicant made an assessment report for the development application, it was mentioned that there were five long day care centres in the major catchment supplying a total of 340 places to an estimated resident market of 1,375 children under 5.
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“There is only one centre in Manly, however, it should be noted that this centre (Treehouse Manly) is an upcoming centre that is still awaiting service approval and is accepting enrolments to a waiting list,” the need analysis says.
The applicant said they also addressed some of the concerns that residents cited, including the potential traffic problems it might bring to an already busy part of Manly.
“With locally generated demand exceeding supply and additional demand from non-resident workers, it’s estimated that Manly has a supply restriction and would benefit from the development of a childcare centre at the subject site,” the planning document reads.
Depending on weather and construction conditions, the childcare centre will start operating by early 2023. It’s expected to bring in up to 30 jobs throughout the construction process.
The management is also planning to hire around 30 staff once the venue opens. Once open, it will operate from 7:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m., Monday – Friday.
For more information about the approved childcare centre, see A005594986.
