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4 November 2009
Suffolk Park Childcare Centre construction has begun
The $1.39 millon purpose-built integrated childcare facility is located at Coogera Circuit, SuffolkPark and will house Byron Shire Early Intervention Service, Byron Bay Preschool and Byron Toy Library.
Byron Shire Council’s Mayor Jan Barham said the childcare centre is a much welcomed addition to the area and will provide vital community services to the popular family residential area of SuffolkPark and the wider Byron Shire communities.
“The land was originally obtained as part of the SuffolkPark residential development and identified to provide community services which contributed to the social well being of the community.
“The new centre will provide 29 preschool places and the Toy Library will act as a wonderful gathering point for young families.
“Plus Byron Shire Early Intervention Service will also finally have a permanent place to deliver essential ongoing services to families our region.”
Mayor Barham said the family orientated services of the facility would encourage new families to the area and support existing families in juggling work-lifestyle commitments.
Byron Shire Early Intervention Service director Zoe Webster said the new centre will create a strong foundation for their service to grow.
“The new centre will provide stability and allow us to focus on developing specific intervention programs that we have been unable to do in the past.
“We’re very excited about being in our purpose built centre and being able to provide a comfortable motivational environment. Plus it is a great advantage to be so close to other valuable children’s services.”
The new centre meets all energy and efficiency requirements of the Building Code of Australia and has been designed to maximise natural lighting and cooling features.
Council’s property manager Trish Kirkland said the building features covered breezeways, high ceilings and bi-fold doors to capture and direct the coastal breezes throughout the centre.
“The careful design of building and roof by the architect has meant that there is no need for air-conditioning within the centre.
Ms Kirkland said the centre also features water tanks that will be used for irrigation, covered balconies, environmentally friendly insulation, energy efficient lighting and soft fall playground matting made from recycled materials.
The centre is being constructed by Woollam Constructions and according to manager Brant Wood, over 45 local contractors are involved with the project.
The project has been funded through Section 94 developer contributions, grants and capital contributions from Byron Bay Preschool, Department of Education and Training via Byron Shire Early Intervention and Council loans.
Construction is anticipated to be completed by mid 2010.
L t R Zoe Webster (Byron Intervention Services), Brant Wood (Manager Woollam Constructions) and Mayor Jan Barham
Byron Shire is located at Australia's eastern-most point with a population of almost 29,000. It is a thriving community where residents and visitors live, work and play in a sustainable environment and where Council strives to deliver the highest standard of local government services and infrastructure.
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