Published on Wednesday, 29 January 2020 at 3:57:14 PM
The City of Vincent has developed a plan aimed at securing the future of childcare centre Kidz Galore Kyilla while increasing the amount of parkland in North Perth.
Kidz Galore has a lease on City-owned land on Haynes Street Reserve, which is due to expire in December.
The City received advice that it could not offer the centre another long-term lease because the land is protected by a 1941 Deed of Trust that legally requires it to be used for public recreation. Following the expiry of their current lease in December 2020, a five-year transition plan for Kidz Galore has been developed by the City, which would give the owners until December 2025 to transition to a new site.
“Kidz Galore provides a very valuable and high-quality service for families and the centre is enjoyed by so many local children,” Mayor Emma Cole said.
“The centre takes children up to age 5, so this plan would allow all of the children who are currently enrolled to enjoy their time at Kidz Galore without any disruptions. It gives the owners of the centre more certainty and allows them time to transition to the permanent home that they have been looking for.”
The City will seek approval from Attorney General Hon John Quigley MLA for the transition plan for the site.
“We are really happy that we have been able to get to this stage and work with the City of Vincent to come to a resolution,” Kidz Galore owner Sue Turner said.
“We are hopeful the plan will be signed off by the Attorney General and will come to fruition. We want to thank Emma for working with us, as well as the Council and our families for their support. Kidz Galore will continue to operate its centres in the City of Vincent, ensuring it remains an integral part of its community for many years to come.”
Haynes Street Reserve is also currently home to a playgroup and a dental health service, but the playgroup and the Department of Health are not expected to extend their leases when they expire next year. The City will give the North Perth Playgroup, which has experienced dwindling membership, the opportunity to join one of the recently refurbished playgroup centres within Vincent.
The City is committed to turning Haynes Street Reserve into public open space, complete with grassed areas, paths, seating, lighting and natural shade.
“After a lot of discussion and community consultation, we think this plan strikes the most balanced outcome for our community whilst meeting our legal obligations and future needs,” Mayor Cole said.
“Our Public Open Space Strategy found we did not have enough parks in North Perth. We want to create more parkland in the area while acknowledging the important role of Kidz Galore, giving the owners time to find a new site and listening to our legal advice.”
Early community consultation on the Haynes Street Reserve Development Plan found 51 per cent of people wanted the area to be used for public open space.
The City will also ask the Attorney General to approve the development plan. The development plan will be advertised for further community consultation subject to the approval of the Attorney General.
For more information please contact the City on 9273 6000 or mail@vincent.wa.gov.au
Back to All News