Hendra Residents Challenge Mega Childcare Centre on Flood-Prone Site

Residents of Hendra are mounting a legal challenge against the development of a childcare centre on a site formerly occupied by a lawn bowls club, known for its flood risk. The group is contesting the project, emphasising environmental concerns and the need for responsible land use in the community.



The project (DA A005894902), spanning 5,724 sqm along Lethem St, was approved by the Council on 27 October 2023 and has led to a formal appeal in the Planning and Environment Court.

The appellants argue that the 239-place childcare centre from Lethem Street Projects Pty Ltd represents an overdevelopment of the site, leaving no space for sports or recreational facilities and disrupting the character of the area

The development’s scale is expected to increase traffic significantly, affecting the local community’s quality of life and posing a risk due to the site’s flood-prone nature. With 91 objections lodged by residents, the case highlights a substantial community pushback against the council’s decision.

Lethem St Hendra
Photo Credit: DA A005894902

The development has been assessed under the Planning Act 2016, with changes to the application deemed minor by the Council, including the removal of outdoor sport and recreation land uses.

However, the community’s concerns extend beyond the scope of these adjustments, focusing on the broader impact on local amenities, flood risk, and traffic congestion.

Previously, the community had initially supported plans by property developer Kenlynn, the former owner of the  25 Lethem St site, for a low-density housing project, aligning with the area’s quiet residential nature. However, this plan was abandoned, and the offer to sell the land to the Council for public green space did not materialise.

Lethem St Hendra
Photo Credit: DA A005894902

One resident expressed that a large childcare centre contradicts the community’s expectations and needs, pointing out the existing surplus of childcare facilities and the lack of demand for another. Residents advocate for development that respects the area’s residential character and meets actual community needs.



As of press time, the developer has yet to submit its defence whilst the court has yet to set a date for the hearing.

Published 5-Feb-2024

Busy Sandgate Road in Ascot Could Soon Have a New Childcare Centre

Photo Credit: DA A006008025/BCC

A three-storey childcare centre could soon rise on busy Sandgate Road in Ascot, on property that used to be a service station.



Dan Band Holdings Pty Ltd lodged DA A006008025 in May 2022 detailing plans to redevelop the demolished service station as a childcare centre with a striking brick design. 

The facility has been designed to accommodate 69 kids who will be able to take advantage of six activity rooms, an elevated outdoor play area, and sections of undercover play areas. 

Childcare Centre Sandgate road
Photo Credit: DA A006008025/BCC

Urban Strategies helped with the building’s U-shaped layout that provides a piazza at the centre of the property, accessible to all the activity rooms. 

“This central piazza areas are seen to be a design which allows for increased interaction of children between play rooms whilst also being respectful of neighbouring properties through orientating a large play area internal to the site and hence minimising any potential acoustic concerns,” the development application stated. 

Childcare Centre Sandgate road
Photo Credit: DA A006008025/BCC

The childcare centre will be open from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. during weekdays and will have 14 car parking areas. 

However, Council has asked for more information based on the initial assessment, given that the bulk and scale of the building exceeds the low to medium-density residential zone code of the area. The planners have been asked to amend the plans and reduce the building’s height and appearance which should be in line with the streetscape of Sandgate Road. 

Photo Credit: DA A006008025/BCC
Sandgate Road
Photo Credit: DA A006008025/BCC

In September, the planners filed for a Notice to Stop the Current Period for 130 days to prepare the amended plans. 



Meanwhile, the DA has received one submission from a resident opposing the childcare centre. 

“I oppose the development as the flow on effect of traffic issues this will cause on both Sandgate Road and Butler street will be extensive. Living on Butler street currently it is almost impossible to get a carpark outside my own house at the best of times let alone during school drop off and pick up (St Margaret’s) and this proposed child care centre will make the situation even worse,” the local stated.

Hendra Childcare Centre and Outdoor Sport and Recreation Facility Planned

Did you know that Hendra could soon be getting a new childcare centre and sport & recreation facility with a basketball court and handball court?

Lethem Street Projects has submitted a development application to establish a 239-place childcare centre at 25 Lethem Street, the former home of the Hendra Lawn Bowls Club.

With a height of 8.7 metres, the two-storey building is designed to be of a house-sensitive scale that easily integrates with the surrounding uses. 



Designed by Mijollo International, the proposed development includes a provision for a 2,254-sqm private outdoor sport and recreation facility which will contain a 556-sqm basketball and handball court.

The courts will be available for hire outside the main hours of operation of the childcare centre.

Oberhead view of plan for Hendra childcare center and recreation facility
Photo credit: Brisbane City Council / https://developmenti.brisbane.qld.gov.au

The 239-capacity childcare centre will have a total of 2,458.8 sqm of gross floor area and will contain a total of 11 activity rooms broken down as follows:

Room 1 (including outdoor) – 39sqm gross floor area that can accommodate up to 12 children, and an 848sqm outdoor space;

Room 2 – 39 sqm gross floor area that can accommodate up to 12 children;

Room 3 – 52 sqm gross floor area that can accommodate up to 16 children;

Room 4 – 52 sqm gross floor area that can accommodate up to 16 children;

Room 5 – 65 sqm gross floor area that can accommodate up to 20 children;

Room 6 – 65 sqm gross floor area that can accommodate up to 20 children;

Room 7 – 71.5 sqm gross floor area that can accommodate up to 22 children;

Room 8 (including outdoor) – 107.25 sqm gross floor area that can accommodate up to 33 children;

Room 9 – 71.5 sqm gross floor area that can accommodate up to 22 children;

Room 10 – 107.25 sqm gross floor area that can accommodate up to 33 children;

Room 11- 107.25 sqm gross floor area that can accommodate up to 33 children;

Childcare Centre and Outdoor Sport and Recreation Planned for Hendra
Photo credit: Brisbane City Council / https://developmenti.brisbane.qld.gov.au


There will be 52 car parking spaces provided across the basement level plus two outdoor play areas and two common indoor play areas. 

The childcare centre’s proposed hours of operation will be 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Mondays to Fridays, whilst the multi-purpose courts will be available through bookings, 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Mondays to Sundays.