A new architect-designed early learning centre is being opened in
Hazelbrook to serve as a childcare centre for the Lower Blue Mountains
Community.
Designed by JDH Architects, one of the childcare industry’s most innovative
architectural firms, the new Hazelwood Early Childhood Centre has been created in
collaboration with centre operators Connect Child and Family Services, the Blue
Mountains City Council and various local stakeholders. JDH Architects’ brief
for the project was to design a high quality, sustainable, progressive and
innovative facility accommodating children of all abilities.
Jayne Harrison from JDH Architects explains their architectural
sensibilities aim to create childcare environments that make children feel
happy, safe and nurtured, while promoting stimulation, wonder and excitement. Featuring
a flexible and accessible design, the Hazelwood Early Childhood Centre
incorporates fun indoor and outdoor spaces that support the uniqueness of every
child and enable childcare workers to nurture that individuality.
The newly developed Hazelwood Early Childhood Centre in the Blue
Mountains is one of 38 centres constructed in priority locations across
Australia as part of the Early Learning and Care Centres capital works program
funded by the Australian Government under the ‘Priority Early Learning and Care
Centre Initiative’.
The recent growth in childcare demand in the region has significantly
increased the Centre’s relevance. Blue Mountains Mayor Cr Mark Greenhill said
that Hazelwood will be an invaluable asset to the community and bring much
needed relief for families while easing pressure on local childcare services.
Lil De Bono, Director of Hazelwood Early Childhood Centre is very
satisfied with the outcome, saying that JDH have not only met the regulation
requirements but also designed a building that has the best interests of the
children as its focus, having incorporated ideas from the staff as well as
children.
CEO of Connect Child & Family Services, Dr Dianne Jackson added that
the new Hazelwood Early Childhood Centre has been a highly successful
collaborative partnership between Connect, JDH Architects, Blue Mountains County
Council and the Federal Government.
Blue Mountains Mayor Cr Mark Greenhill will officially open the
Hazelwood Childcare Centre on Thursday 10th July 2014.
