The future is looking bright for families in Black Rock, as works are set to begin on a new integrated children's centre
Fern Street Children's Centre will deliver a high-quality learning environment through three and four-year-old kindergarten. The centre will also provide occasional care, a space for community group hire and maternal and child health support services.
The project faced significant delays due to an opposition to the planning permit which resulted in an appeal with the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal [VCAT]. A favorable decision was reached earlier this year and Bayside City Council can now proceed with construction in early September 2022.
Bayside Mayor, Cr Alex del Porto said the new facility will improve the accessibility, scope and integration of early childhood services in Bayside's south.
"The Fern Street Children's Centre will support the growing demand for early years services in the area and help our youngest residents thrive in their learning and development.
"The centre will bring a range of programs and services together under one roof to deliver education, care, health and support to children and their families.
"We are so excited to finally be able to get the shovel in the ground on this important project and look forward to welcoming families to the new children's centre in 2024."
The centre features environmentally sensitive design and includes a 66-place kindergarten, associated play spaces, a connected Maternal and Child Health consultation suite and a community space. The site will be landscaped to provide a children's sensory experience linking to FG Tricks Reserve.
The $5.9 million building upgrade is supported by $1.6million from the Victorian Government Grant.
