THE City of Vincent will ask Attorney General John Quigley to extend the life of Kidz Galore Pty Ltd at its North Perth home before it has to make way for parkland at Haynes Street Reserve.
Councillors unanimously agreed at a special council meeting on Tuesday to a range of motions, including seeking approval from Mr Quigley for a transition plan for the childcare service which caters for infants from 6 weeks to two-and-a-half years old.
The City adopted a public open space strategy in 2019 which identified a need for parkland in North Perth but the reserve had a 1941 Deed of Trust that legally required the space to be used for public recreation.
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READ NOW“Our strategy found we did not have enough parks in North Perth,” Mayor Emma Cole said.
The City plans to go ahead with the Haynes Street Reserve Development Plan and turn the space into public land, complete with grassed areas, paths, seating, lighting and natural shade.
However, Haynes Street Reserve is currently home to Kidz Galore Pty Ltd, the North Perth Playgroup Inc. and a Dental Health Service.
Although North Perth Playgroup Inc. and the Dental Health Service have no plans to extend their leases when they expire in 2021, Kidz Galore Pty Ltd wants to continue operating and allow all of the children who are currently enrolled not to have any disruptions.
A five-year transition plan for Kidz Galore Pty Ltd has been developed by the City, which would give the owners until December 2025 to move to a new site in Vincent.
“I think this is one of the most difficult issues I’ve had to face as mayor and in my last six years on council. It’s not easy to go to a well loved, equality childcare centre, to talk to parents and families and tell them that they might not have a future on site – it’s incredibly difficult,” Ms Cole said.
“We hope the parents understand there is no distribution to service and we will find something workable and practical in a way that supports them (the childcare centre) in the future and they find a home they are seeking.”
If approval is granted by Mr Quigley to extend the lease of Kidz Galore Pty Ltd, the development plan will be advertised for further community consultation.
“Kidz Galore Pty Ltd 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,” Kidz Galore owner Sue Turner said.