Lucas kinder expanding

WORKS are underway on the extension of the Lucas Community Hub kindergarten.

A new 33-place kinder room and outdoor space for three and four-year-old children is being established at the back of the centre on the corner of Coltman Plaza and Eleanor Drive.

The entrance to the facility and foyer will be altered to improve access for families, and better the circulation of people, and new staff planning and administration spaces, and a laundry and storage area will be created.

The Member for Ripon, Martha Haylett, and City of Ballarat mayor, Cr Des Hudson visited the site last week to take a look at progress.

“This is a really exciting project where we’re able to expand our services to meet the needs of our growing community in the western suburbs,” Cr Hudson said.

“In 2024, we’re nearing 4000 people in Lucas, so when we’re able to expand and build quality facilities, it’s absolutely much-needed.

“It’s crucial we continue to provide families with high-quality infrastructure close to their homes that’s accessible within their own local neighbourhood… and if we can have kids fall in love with education in those early years, hopefully that transitions with them throughout their entire life.”

Ms Haylett, who is expecting her first child later in the year, said she often hears people in her electorate stressing the need for more kindergarten and childcare places.

“Lucas is expanding so, so rapidly and we need to keep up with that pace,” she said. “We want to make sure everyone gets a place because those early years are so critical.”

Morton and Co Architects and CIQ Construction Management have designed, or are building, the extension, which is being funded with $1.5 million from the State Government and $1 million from the City of Ballarat.

Cr Hudson said there will be no disruption to current services as the works continue. The project is expected to be complete before the end of the year.