A NEW childcare centre in Horsham will open in September.
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Ballarat-based Bentley Property Group has started building the centre in Baillie Street near the Horsham Church of Christ.
The group is also building a medical centre on the same block that will house 13 practitioners and a pathology service.
The area used to be residential houses. They were demolished last year.
Signs have been installed at the site for the two developments.
Bentley Property Group’s Andrew Ferguson said the group bought the site by private treaty in the middle of last year.
“There is a growing need and a shortage for both childcare and medical services in the area,” he said.
“It is a great location, and an opportunity to secure the site came up.
“Oxanda Education will tenant the childcare centre and will shortly be looking for quality carers in the region.
“They are a childcare provider that focuses on regional areas throughout Australia.”
Mr Ferguson said the group had advertised for expressions of interest for the service and had already received many calls.
The Bluebird Early Education Centre will offer childcare places for 100 children.
All nappies and meals will be provided.
Bluebird runs childcare centres in Victoria, Queensland and NSW.
Construction for the childcare centre started on February 1.
“The footings are going down as we speak, and we would expect that by July it will be complete,” Mr Ferguson said.
“With the childcare leased we are now looking at expressions of interest for the medical centre.
“Interest has been good and we are talking to a number of interested parties.
“In the next month we'll be working through the expressions of interest.
“There is an opportunity for a cafe at the site too.
“Basically we just need to see who's out there for the medical centre.”
Construction for the centre is due to finish early next year.
Mr Ferguson said there would be 56 car parks between the two buildings.
“We are working with a regional builder, and a large number of suppliers and labour is Horsham-based,” he said.
Mr Ferguson thanked Horsham Rural City Council for its support with the developments.
“Council was amazing supporting us with the project,” he said.
“We get to work with a lot of councils, and Horsham council really backed the need for this development and have been great to work with.
“We're very proud of the project and the employment opportunities it will create for Horsham.”
Mr Ferguson encouraged anyone interested in leasing the medical centre to call Bentley Property Group on 0409 402 639.