What makes a good site for a childcare development? There are a number of attributes I would suggest when choosing land.
Planning
First Town planning Zoning. There are two sections each describe uses that are allowed or not on a particular site.
Section 1 – Uses that do not require a permit
Section 2 – Uses that require a permit
If your site falls in section 2 do a lot of homework with council to see how they feel about childcare in that location. Speak to them, get advice, in writing. Your whole permit application could fall apart if they are unsupportive of a centre your site.
Section 3 – Uses that are prohibited.
Topography, Geography
Think inside the box,
1. Flat and square is best (obviously)
a. This is especially true for two storey centres. If site is narrow the height related setbacks decrease the first or even second floor areas to unusable dimensions.
b. Broad sites are best.
c. Corner sites are great, but only if they are square or have flatter corner. Sharp corners render areas useless for any use.
2. Gradient
a. Obviously flat is best.
b. Sloping up from the street can be dealt with. Scraping sites for flat car parks and building above so that playground are on grade. This avoids playground and suspended slabs above ground.
c. Sloping down from the road should be avoided. Getting cars down to Australian standards can be tricky.
d. The stepping needed to flatten areas can create huge retaining walls. If these are close to fences protection works notices are required and you will have bulk and over looking issues with your neighbours during the planning process
3. Size
a. If you have done your homework you will know how many children the market is looking for.
b. More is not better (refer to other article)
c. Use the formula of 3. Childcare sites (single level) are made up of 3 more or less equal parts. Parking, Play and Premises. If you need 100 children, you need 700m2, therefore you need 2100mm for the three parts, plus setbacks, buffers and a little padding. 2300-2400m2. You will see permits that are tighter than this, but they generally won’t be good and one thing you need in building is some tolerances, areas, budgets etc