A lifeline has emerged for imperilled Crows Nest childcare centre Kelly’s Place, after NSW Planning Minister Paul Scully announced the state was considering a plan to save the iconic centre.
What happened: For 38 years, Kelly’s Place has operated in Crows Nest as a not-for-profit childcare centre. In that time, they have been provided a council property rent-free, given the cost-savings are passed on directly to local parents.
As the centre operates on a not-for-profit, community model, the governing body of the centre is a committee made up of both parents and carers.
Time’s up: North Sydney Council now wants the land back in order to expand Hume Street Park. Plans for this project have been in motion since 2012.
In February, council told the childcare centre they would need to be out by the end of the year.
Hands tied: While the decision drew strong criticism from both the centre and local member for Willoughby Tim James, there was little either could do: the land belongs to council, and James is currently in opposition.
A new hope: But last week in a budget estimates session, NSW Planning Minister Paul Scully revealed the state government had plans to retain the centre.
While the land and property belongs to North Sydney Council, the redevelopment of the park — including its design — will be paid for and managed by the state. Scully said that in response to community feedback, his department would propose two designs: “one that includes a childcare centre and one that doesn't”.
He also claimed there has been “good engagement with the parents” and thanked Tim James for the “hot tip that this might be an issue”.
What now: The director of the childcare centre, Katie Newton was sceptical of the announcement. She said she’d need to see concrete plans before any celebrations.
“There's been a lot of talk but now we need some action”, she told the Lorikeet. “We need to see the concept plans.”
North Sydney Council were contacted for comment but did not reply before the deadline.