Frustrated parents are fuming at further lengthy delays to the redevelopment of a West Footscray childcare centre.
Maribyrnong council is spending more than $5 million to rebuild the trouble-plagued Church Street Children’s Centre, more than double the $2 million budget for the original redevelopment.
A six-month ‘temporary’ relocation of children to Maribyrnong Community Centre in 2016 has blown out to at least three years, with families now told the works are not due to be completed until August 2019.
Renovations to the ageing centre were halted in mid-2016 when builders discovered “serious structural design issues”.
The council decided to demolish the building and replace it with a two-storey, 98-place centre – its biggest project since completing the Braybrook Community Hub in 2015.
But Amanda Wealands, chair of the centre’s parent group, said despite pushing for a shorter time-frame parents have been unable to shift the completion date.
“It’s just beyond disappointing that it takes more than three years to do anything of that standard,” she said.
Ms Wealands said the lengthy relocation has taken a financial toll and forced many families to move to closer centres.
“Since we moved our enrolments have decreased substantially due to the uncertainty of our location and travel time to the temporary site,” she said.
“Council has assisted where possible in promoting the service, but that is a far cry from what is required to make up for the delays.”
Council director of community services Clem Gillings said work on the new building is expected to start this month, “a little later than expected”.
“Council has deliberated over the design and worked with the Church Street Children Centre – Community Advisory Group, as the new facility aims to cater for increased kindergarten, childcare places and other community infrastructure within budget,” she said.
“There has been a considered approach to the development with scoping works, designed drawings and the appointment of a contractor since the centre was first closed for renovation with about $300,000 spent on the project.”
Ms Gillings said a 12-month period for a rebuild was not unusual.
“Council understands some families have experienced inconvenience,” she said.
“Council appreciates their patience as the new facility is built as it will provide more spaces for our growing community.”
