New Diamond Hills Preschool building opens for class
Published on 14 June 2024
Children at Diamond Hills Preschool in Greensborough have an exciting new environment in which to learn and play, with works now complete on a new, state of the art building.
The $3.69 million preschool is a great example of contemporary design for early years learning with careful consideration given to spaces that create a place for children to explore, learn and develop their social and emotional skills through play based learning.
With an increased education licence capacity, the new preschool features two classrooms, a multi-purpose room, kitchen, quiet library space, large outdoor area, including an undercover area, library space and private parent meeting space.
The design has put environmental sustainability to the forefront. The building is completely electric with rooftop solar, orientated to face the sun and thermally and acoustically insulated, windows are double glazed, and there are water tanks and water efficient appliances and fittings
Children have helped to create a new public artwork at the entrance to the building, Tread Gently Together, by Bend of Islands artist Tim Read.
Nillumbik Mayor Ben Ramcharan said it was an exciting time for students, teachers and families of the preschool.
“This a fantastic purpose-built building that will support the learning and development needs of local children for years to come,” Cr Ramcharan said.
“I’m excited to see the range of sustainable features. This will keep the children comfortable in all weather, reduce operating costs for the preschool and cut carbon emissions – a key target of our Climate Action Plan.”
Blue Lake Ward Councillor Richard Stockman said the former building next door dated back to 1986.
“The preschool was in urgent need of updating and was unable to accommodate the high level of demand that the preschool has historically maintained. I’m happy we’ve been able to create a state-of-the-art educational facility for the people of Blue Lake. I would like to thank the staff and families for their support during the building process,” Cr Stockman said.
Remaining external works, including landscaping and car park, will be completed in the coming weeks.
The preschool is planning on hosting an open day shortly where families and the broader community will be invited to see the new facility. More details regarding the open day will be available shortly through the preschool’s website and social media channels.
While there are limited spaces available for children to attend the new preschool this year, registrations to attend three and four-year-old preschool 2025 are open until 30 June. First round offers will begin mid July. Apply at nillumbik.vic.gov.au/apply-for-preschool.
The project has been funded in partnership through the Victorian Government’s Growing Suburbs Fund ($2.9 million), Council ($1.54 million) and the preschool, which is overseen by a committee of volunteers ($75,000).