Paul Bibby
Byron Bay Preschool has been granted approval for an expansion of its Suffolk Park premises that will allow it to double student numbers from 25 to 50.
In a unanimous decision at last week’s Byron Council planning meeting, councillors allowed additions to the Bottlebrush Crescent premises amounting to an extra 220.7 square metres of floor space.
This includes a new building with an open playroom, storage areas, kitchen, interview room and multi-purpose room.
An additional four car parking spaces will be constructed, requiring the removal of four native trees.
Addressing the meeting during public access, the director of the centre said the additional capacity was badly needed.
A manager from the centre, Nicole Caves, said the centre needed the new building to go ahead to meet the children’s need for education.
‘We have $1m to contribute, $300,000 of which will come from the State Government.
‘There will be no cost to council.’
‘Research shows that children who miss the opportunity for good quality care and duration have a less good start to life.’
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