By Mitch Gaynor
A CONTROVERSIAL large vacant site in Landsborough could soon be a two-story childcare centre following a new development application.
A development application with Sunshine Coast Regional Council proposes splitting a large site at 37 Maleny St into a childcare centre with 112-place capacity and two smaller residential blocks for future development.
The site has had multiple proposals prior to this one including a unit block and accommodation units in 2018, which was ultimately scuppered by community resistance.
Designers of the latest proposal, Infinitum Partners, say the two-story centre, which will also have capacity for 18 staff and 15 visitor car parks, does not negatively impact the residential character of the area.
“The proposed child care centre is located at the entrance to a residential neighbourhood and in close proximity to other community uses, and has been designed in such a way that it acknowledges the character of Landsborough,” site designer Infinitum Partners states in the DA.
The designer states that site is suitable to the established catchment, well located on a major road network and “can be delivered in such a way that does not create any impact on residential character and amenity”.
The site is 300m from Peace Park, 400m from Landsborough Primary School, 600m from the local shops and 700m from Landsborough Station.
The child care centre is proposed to include a maximum of 112 childcare places in seven dedicated playrooms, with associated spaces for storage, sleep, bathrooms and preparation.
The centre is designed to accommodate the subtropical climate including screening and window awnings, by supporting cross ventilation, and by including generous verandahs that connect playrooms to the outdoor play area.
A second storey separated from the main operational areas provides staff dedicated office spaces and a laundry, while providing modulation and scale in the building at this key ‘gateway entry’ to Landsborough.
