City of Melbourne Council has unveiled its $10.2 million redevelopment of North Melbourne’s Lady Huntingfield Early Learning and Family Services Centre.
The upgraded facility has been designed as a hub for families, offering long daycare, kindergarten, maternal and child health services, family support and counselling, parenting services and playgroups in one location.
More than 100 education and care places are available at the centre – nearly doubling its capacity.
“The Lady Huntingfield Early Learning Centre has served our municipality for more than 80 years, and we’re proud to deliver this important upgrade to support the growing North Melbourne community,” said Melbourne Lord Mayor, Sally Capp.
“We’ve brought family and children’s services together under one roof, making it even easier for locals to access quality daycare services and connect with health professionals.
“We know integrated care is the way of the future, as it provides education and care from birth to school age delivered by qualified teachers, with the flexibility for parents and carers to choose the days and hours that meet their needs and commitments.”
Since reopening in August 2021, Lady Huntingfield has provided education and care for local families across more than 1,000 different sessions and appointments.
“We’re committed to providing our community with the services they need, and this first-class facility will help ensure parents are supported, and kids get a positive start in life,” said Health, Wellbeing and Belonging portfolio lead, Councillor Dr Olivia Ball.
“The Centre is already having a positive impact on local families, who are accessing services including childcare, maternal and child health care and new parent sessions.”
The state-of-the-art, two-storey building has been designed with a focus on sustainability, and features solar panels, rainwater harvesting, natural ventilation and energy-efficient fittings.
“This upgrade shows what the future of early learning can look like. The Centre focuses on providing a diverse range of education and care options, housed in a facility that is environmentally sustainable,” said Victorian Minister for Early Childhood, Ingrid Stitt.
The Victorian Government provided $1.6 million to support the redevelopment through the Children’s Facilities Capital Grant program.
For more information on Lady Huntingfield services, visit the City of Melbourne website.
