New community facility for Redcliffs-Sumner

13 July 2007

Work begins next week on the construction of a new purpose-built community facility for residents from Sumner through to Heathcote.

Jointly funded by the Christchurch City Council and Redcliffs-Sumner Community Crèche, the 330sqm building in Barnett Park is expected to open later this year. It will provide early childhood education for 42 children.

City Council Community Support Manager Catherine McDonald says Council approved funding for the crèche in 2001 after it was highlighted the existing operation in a church hall was constrained by a lack of space and had limited opportunities for expansion.

"It has taken some years to work through the process to enable the new complex to be built."

Melanda Slemint, of the Redcliffs-Sumner Community Crèche, says construction of the new facility will be a milestone for the not-for-profit organisation which began to look at a new facility almost a decade ago.

"While our operation was originally based in Barnett Park, in the now demolished former scout den, and latterly in the Union Church, Augusta Street, this will be the first time the crèche has occupied a purpose-built facility and we are very excited about the prospect."

Redcliffs-Sumner Community Crèche was originally set up by the Sumner Running Club to provide members with time out to exercise. "Twenty-five years later the crèche stays true to these values, offering affordable and flexible childcare in a friendly, supportive, community environment."

The crèche offers the Government’s 20 hours Free Early Childhood Education for three and four year olds.

Owned by the City Council, the new facility will be leased by the Redcliffs-Sumner Community Crèche.

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