Stanwell Park's Children's Centre will operate at full capacity from 2026, with Wollongong City Council awarding the tender for operation of the centre at Monday's (15 September) council meeting.
Originally purpose-built for 40 childcare places, a new 10-year lease will see the centre deliver additional spaces for children in an area where there is strong demand from local families, while ensuring a seamless transition for parents and children already using the service.
"We're very pleased to be placing the Centre in capable hands for the next decade, providing a quality service and certainty for families in the area," Lord Mayor of Wollongong Councillor Tania Brown said.
"Supporting access to quality childcare that supports children's developmental needs is a priority for Council, as is ensuring the community assets we manage, best serve the needs of the community. There is certainly a need for dependable, quality childcare and the new arrangements will provide up to 15 additional childcare spaces to the northern suburbs communities.
"We consulted extensively with parents to understand their needs and priorities ahead of the tender process and we thank them for their input into ensuring the best outcome for their families' and community.
The extensive feedback of parents was included in the documentation when Council went to tender in July. The open tender process was carried out in accordance with statutory requirements of the Local Government Act for leases of more than five years on community land.
The successful tenderer reflected the outlined needs of the of the community, including proposed bush and nature-focused educational programs, extensive sector experience and strong community connections as a local provider.
The 10-year lease will commence in January and replace the year-on-year hire agreement the centre has operated under since 2016 when Council opened the building for hire as a community space.
Securing a long-term tenant ensures management of the centre aligns with that of Council's other early education and care facilities, and with national childcare sector standards, while outlining clear maintenance requirements for the building.
The incoming provider has prepared a detailed transition plan that includes communication and consultation with families. The transition will not impact current enrolments or places at the Centre.
"The stability of a 10-year lease allows the provider to fully invest in the centre and ensure it is utilised to its full capacity as it was designed and constructed many years ago," Cr Brown said.
"It's a win for Stanwell Park families and demonstrates our commitment partnering with childcare and education sector providers to support delivery of much-needed services for our community.
"We understand that people, particularly existing users of the service, will have questions or concerns about what this will mean for them moving forward. Now that the tender is finalised, we will be liaising with the new provider and parents to ensure a smooth transition."
An information session for parents covering service overview and enrolment details will be scheduled as soon as possible following formalisation of the lease.
Parents who registered through Council's information sessions and parent survey will be kept up to date through the transition process, while families yet to register can do so via Council's website.
