By Molly Magennis
New designs have been unveiled and preparation is underway for the Footscray Early Parenting Centre upgrade.
Minister for Health Martin Foley and Member for Footscray Katie Hall have released designs for the Andrews Government’s Early Parenting Centre upgrade, located at 53 Adelaide Street, Footscray.
The new designs reveal the facilities interior and exterior design, the latter includes the main lounge and playroom space featuring extensive natural light and views to the outdoor courtyard and gardens.
Input from local residents and health experts helped shape the design which aims to reflect the Footscray community.
The upgraded centre will provide parents and carers with the advice and care they need, which includes support with sleep and settling, feeding and extra care for babies and toddlers with additional needs.
Settling and sleeping remains one of the biggest challenges for parents, with one-in-two Victorian parents who attend the early parenting centres reporting problems with their child’s sleep.
The upgrade will include 10 residential suites and two accessible family suites, offering a range of supporting services.
Minister for Health Martin Foley said that he understands how hard the first few months of parenthood are, which is why these n new early parenting centres are so important.
“The designs for the Footscray Early Parenting Centre upgrade reveal a warm and soothing environment for families who need a little extra help to ensure their children get the best start in life,” he said.
Member for Footscray Katie Hall said the centre will be a ‘home-away-from-home’ for parents and their children.
Construction is expected to start in early 2022 and be completed by early 2023.
