Macedon Ranges council has taken UL Daly Reserve off its radar for an early-years centre as a new site was revealed yesterday.
The council will consider building an early-learning hub, including a kindergarten, maternal and child health services, pre-kinder programs and a toy library, at 71 Robertson Street, Gisborne.
It had proposed building the centre on Daly Reserve in Howey Street, Gisborne.
Last month a group seeking to protect Daly Reserve from development called on the council to delete the inclusion of an early-years centre from an environmental management plan under its consideration.
The plan is due to be debated, along with the possible new site, at the council’s meeting in Gisborne tomorrow night.
But in an extraordinary move, three members of Friends of Daly Reserve were asked by council to sign a confidentiality agreement on Thursday if they were to be told early that the revised Daly Reserve management plan excluded the reserve.
They duly signed and the agreement was due to expire at noon yesterday, in line with the release of the council’s agenda papers online.
The proposed new Robertson Street site is being used as a rooming house, but independent living units are seen to be more appropriate accommodation for tenants.
The council said it would support the tenants with the transition.
Council chief executive Peter Johnston said the new site provided opportunities for community health and wellbeing partnerships.
“The site is well located close to Gisborne’s central business district and would provide easy access for young families,” he said.
“In looking to achieve the best outcome for the Gisborne community, the council has worked with many groups and individuals.
“We thank them all for their views and constructive input.”
