January 25th, 2024Work to start on new Lancefield kinder site

Early site works are set to begin this month to prepare for construction of a new kindergarten and
maternal and child health centre in Lancefield.

A planning permit has been approved for the project at 76A High Street, with the modern three-
room facility to be complemented by accessible and secure entries as well as a dedicated rear
playground area.

Early works will include the installation of temporary fencing, site clearing and levelling works, and
installing building footings and stumps. This will then pave the way for installation of the modular
buildings transported to site, building fit-outs, landscaping and all other required works.

The Macedon Ranges Shire Council’s Director Community Maria Weiss said the priority project for the council was expected to be operational by mid-2024.

“This project will provide many benefits for the community including increased kinder places for local
children, local maternal and child health services, and space for community-based and supported
playgroups,” she said.

“We’re grateful to many groups for collaborating with us to make this a reality including the Lancefield
Park Recreation Reserve’s Committee of Management, the neighbouring Men’s Shed and the
Lancefield Playgroup committee.”

“We look forward to seeing the project take shape and will continue to work closely with these key
stakeholders and others – including contractors, the neighbouring primary school, residents and current kinder families – to enable a smooth build and transition once the new centre opens.”

Key features of the current site will be protected and retained, including heritage gate pillars at the
entrance and the mature trees bordering the west and south of the site. The off-site construction of
the modular buildings means a more efficient and less disruptive build.

The project has received $3 million in funding through the Victorian Government’s Building Blocks
Capacity Building Grants stream and will be delivered by the Victorian School Building Authority.

The council has allocated a further $144,000 to ensure the new centre is fully furnished and has improved environmental and sustainable design elements.