Longwarry's state-of-the-art Early Learning Centre upgrade is one step closer after Council awarded the contract for the works at its meeting last week.
Kubale Constructions will refurbish and expand the existing Longwarry Kindergarten at a total cost of $1,066,500 (excluding GST), following a tender process.
The existing one-room kindergarten will be doubled to a two-room centre, providing up to 88 kindergarten places for three and four-year-olds.
The facility will be fully refurbished and will include a new kitchen, large entry foyer, expanded staff areas and toilet facilities, a second outdoor play space and an upgraded carpark. Supporting infrastructure including stormwater drainage and footpaths will also be completed as part of the project.
The Early Learning Centre's final design has been developed in consultation with families and staff to ensure the facility is fit for purpose.
The project has been funded by Council and a $500,000 grant from the Victorian Government's Growing Suburbs Fund (GSF) – the first project in Baw Baw to receive GSF funding after the program was expanded to include Baw Baw Shire Council.
The existing maternal child health building in front of the existing kinder, which has been recognised as having historic significance to Longwarry, will be retained and repaired to connect the Early Learning Centre with Longwarry's past.
The Early Learning Centre will be delivered in time for the kindergarten classes of 2022.
Quotes attributable to Mayor Councillor Danny Goss:
"This is the first project in Baw Baw to receive funding from the Growing Suburbs Fund after years of advocacy from Baw Baw and other peri-urban councils for inclusion in the program.
"Baw Baw's current population is expected to double by 2035 and Longwarry is a key growth area. Based on population trends, we might have seen waiting lists for local kindergarten places from next year. I am delighted that we can now deliver this project and support Longwarry with infrastructure that will benefit the community for years to come."
