New childcare facility for fast-emerging suburb

HOUSING developer Wel.Co has announced it will build a brand-new childcare centre at its residential community in Huntly, Harlowe, offering more than 100 places to local children.

The developer will partner with a national childcare operator with over 20 years of experience to design and deliver the project.

The operator will aim to have a focus on contemporary earlychildhood education, underpinned by the 3a: Abecedarian Approach Australia – a method that prioritises language development, enriched care giving, and interactive learning to set foundations for life.

Wel.Co founder and managing director, former Essendon Football Club defender Andrew Welsh, said the new centre is an important step in delivering Harlowe’s vision as a family community.

“Our vision is to create a community where young families have everything they need to grow and flourish,” he said.

“This new childcare centre, combined with our parks, playgrounds, andopen spaces, will ensure Harlowe is the perfect place for first-homebuyers and growing families.”

Huntly is one of Greater Bendigo’s fastest-growing suburbs and is estimated to have increased residents by 14 per cent since 2021.

Nearly 10 per cent of the population is under the age of five, almost double the state average.

As part of Wel.Co’s commitment to supporting young families, Harlowe purchasers will be offered preferential placement at the new centre.

The development is already home to a flourishing community, and oncompletion will be home to approximately 1200 residents.

The estate features 450 lots, ranging from 300 sqm to 1,1125 sqm.