Benjamin Millar
A new 110-place childcare care centre could be built in Bacchus Marsh under plans recently lodged with Moorabool council.
The $2 million centre has been flagged for construction by Bacchus Marsh Holdings on a vacant site on the corner of Gisborne Road and the Western Freeway westbound on-ramp.
It follows approval given to the developer last year to build a petrol station and Hungry Jacks on the adjacent site, subject to ‘a potential community oriented use’ for the remaining 2400 square-metre parcel of land.
A planning report prepared for the project by SJB Planning states the proposal will be for a centre that provides 110 childcare places, with building footprint of 883 square metres, 787 square metres of outdoor play area and 26 car parking spaces.
“The proposed childcare centre provides a community facility that services the needs of Bacchus Marsh and the greater Shire’s townships and settlements,” it states.
“The proposed use takes full advantage of the main road address, with the development being well executed, architecturally designed and conceived.”
Vehicle access to the proposed carpark will be via an accessway from the proposed adjacent development connecting with Gisborne Road or Clifton Drive.
Pedestrian access will be via a previously approved walkway adjacent to the northern boundary of the neighbouring site.
“This approved walkway will provide an east-west linkage through the site, connecting with the existing footpath on Gisborne Road and any potential residential development that may eventuate to the west of the site,” the report states.
“Traffic and parking associated with the development will be appropriately managed by providing sufficient car parking on-site and providing adequate access and egress arrangements for all vehicles expected to utilise the facility.”
Moorabool council is yet to decide upon the proposal.
