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 Government’s Early Learning and Care Initiative.

The early learning centre was designed by JDH Architects and will be opened to serve as a childcare centre for the Lower Blue Mountains Community.

Working with Connect Child and Family Services and the Blue Mountains City Council, JDH said the brief for the project was to design a high quality, sustainable, progressive and innovative facility accommodating children of all abilities.

Director of HECC, Lil De Bono says she is 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.

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.

Blue Mountains Mayor Cr Mark Greenhill will officially open the Hazelwood Childcare Centre on Thursday 10th July 2014.

Images: Supplied