Construction has commenced on a new $9 million childcare facility in Howrah, aimed at addressing critical shortages of early education services in Hobart’s eastern suburbs.
Tipalea Partners has broken ground on the Glebe Hill Childcare Centre, located adjacent to its recently sold Glebe Hill Village shopping centre at 21 Commerce Drive.
The 106-place facility will be built by specialist education contractor Bennett Construction, with completion scheduled for April 2026.
Jeremy Warren, Director of Bennett Construction, said the project would showcase high-end early education facilities.
“Glebe Hill Childcare Centre is a highly technical build with high-end finishes and complex acoustic requirements. When complete, it will be a showcase in state-of-the-art early education facilities,” Warren said.
Research by Tipalea revealed significant childcare shortages in the area, with over 1,200 local children under five competing for just 356 licensed places across five existing centres.
Jack Hunter, Assistant Development Manager at Tipalea Partners, said the development addresses an urgent community need.
“There is a significant undersupply of childcare in Tasmania’s south-east, coupled with a rapidly-growing local population of families that urgently need more childcare,” Hunter said.
The centre will be leased by national provider Green Leaves Early Learning, which operates more than 65 centres across Australia.
The facility will feature bespoke architectural design by award-winning firm Brown Falconer and interactive public art, including a concept called “I Hear You” – a colourful sculptural form allowing communication between children.
Tipalea Partners recently commenced construction on its $50 million Spring Farm Village retail development in Kingston and is also developing Stony Rise Village in Devonport.
