Development application lodged for Gordon childcare centre

A development application for a 90-place childcare facility in Gordon is the latest in a string of DAs to be lodged in Canberra suburbs.

The 3615-square-metre site in the Tuggeranong suburb of Gordon is framed by Mina Wylie Crescent, Knoke Avenue and Hickenbotham Street.

The private applicant is an experienced operator.

According to the DA, the centre will be in a predominantly residential area, enabling convenient drop-off for parents.

The total cost of works is expected to be just under $2.3 million.

Densely populated residential suburbs with a shortage of childcare centres have been favoured by investors.

An application for a 187-place childcare centre in the Belconnen suburb of Higgins was lodged with ACTPLA last month.

Childcare centres are also slated for Phillip, Coombs and Weston, while across the border Queanbeyan City Council has given a childcare centre in Googong the green light.

The applications come despite concerns from local operators that there may be too many childcare places in certain areas of the ACT.

The Fyshwick Early Childhood Centre was forced to close last month after 25 years of operation.

However, according to Knight Frank’s ACT associate director of commercial and office leasing Daniel McGrath, growth is expected for the sector.

“At first glance it may appear that some markets have a healthy supply, but when you look at the demographics of Canberra there is a growth in the 0 to 4-year-old age bracket, indicating future demand for childcare centres,” Mr McGrath said.

“There is also a shift towards parents wanting an early start to a child’s education and an increase in participation rates for females in the workplace – both contributors to ongoing demand for childcare centres.”

Mr McGrath said the number of children enrolled in long-day care had risen by 31 per cent since 2004, but there had not been a corresponding increase in the number of available places.