Geelong council has saved more than $14 million thanks to a Victorian government grant to support the building of an Armstrong Creek kindergarten.
The new modular construction kindergarten, which will provide services for 99 children on Warralily Boulevard, will be part of the Bloinks Community Hub.
The kinder was projected to cost the City of Greater Geelong $18 million and not be delivered for another three years.
However, councillor Andrew Katos said the grant from the Victorian School Building Authority (VSBA) meant the kindergarten would be completed well ahead of that schedule at a cost of $3.5 million to the City.
“Because the council has worked with the VSBA it’s going to be delivered in the next financial year at a cost of, rather than $18 million to council, we’re looking at $3.5 million,” Cr Katos said.
“(It’s) a huge saving, and not just the saving to the ratepayer, but bringing forward the time… so it’s a really great outcome.”
Member for Western Victoria Gayle Tierney said she was proud the Victorian government was backing the project and investing in growing communities.
“This new hub will bring kindergarten, health services and a welcoming space for the community all under one roof, three years earlier than expected,” Ms Tierney said.
“This is such a great win for Armstrong Creek. With so many young families in the area, the new kinder and community hub will make a real difference, helping parents juggle daily life with a single drop-off point, and giving local kids access to modern, high-quality learning spaces right from the get-go.”
Matt Hewson
