Families in Hobart’s fast-growing south-east will get a critically-needed childcare boost with Tipalea Partners completing the $9 million Green Leaves Early Learning Glebe Hill. It delivers 106 vital new early learning places to Howrah, where just 30% of children under five have access to childcare.
Located at 21 Commerce Drive in Howrah, the innovative 2,400-square-metre centre neighbours the highly-successful Glebe Hill Village, which Tipalea completed in 2022.
Built by Tasmanian specialist contractor Bennett Construction over 10 months, the new facility will be operated by Green Leaves Early Learning. It caters for children aged six weeks to six years and is set to welcome its first enrolments later this month.
A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held today celebrating the centre’s completion. VIPs in attendance included Tipalea Partners CEO, Scott Spanton, Treasurer of Tasmania and Liberal Member for Franklin, The Hon. Eric Abetz MP, City of Clarence Mayor, Cr. Brendan Blomeley, and Green Leaves Business Development & Construction Manager, Stuart Andrews.
“This new childcare centre is another expression of confidence by the private sector in our Tasmanian economy, while providing a much-needed service to our growing and dynamic Clarence municipal area,” said Treasurer Abetz.
“Following the success of Glebe Hill Shopping Village, and more recently, Spring Farm Village, Scott Spanton and his team at Tipalea Partners have firmly established themselves with the enviable reputation of being developers that always deliver quality. As expected, Green Leaves Early Learning Glebe Hill is undoubtedly in this class,” said Cr. Blomeley.
“With the Glebe Hill and Clarence Plains areas experiencing phenomenal growth over the past few years, and with demand for childcare services far outstripping supply, it’s fantastic to see such a quality childcare centre open in our city,” he added.
With around 1,200 children under five in Howrah, the area currently has just 356 licensed childcare places across five existing centres – all operating at capacity.
“South-east Tasmania is growing, and demand for quality childcare is growing with it. Families need more places, not longer waiting lists. This new premium early learning centre will deliver high-quality childcare in a convenient location alongside retail and essential services, helping make life easier for local parents,” said Mr. Spanton.
“As our first-ever childcare project in Tasmania, it also brings the same elevated standard that has defined our retail developments to a brand-new sector.”
“Through both Glebe Hill Village and now this Green Leaves childcare centre, we have found the Council staff and leadership very encouraging of what we wanted to achieve and always very approachable. Clarence City Council is definitely a region that is ‘open for business’ and I wish we had more projects in the area,” he added.
With over 70 centres Australia-wide, national operator Green Leaves Early Learning elevates childcare with a premium offering that integrates kindergarten and preschool programs. Special features of the childcare service include chef-prepared meals, yoga, music and even culinary classes.
Designed to inspire learning and play, Green Leaves Early Learning Glebe Hill comprises seven classrooms and a welcoming Parent Lounge. Thoughtfully designed outdoor spaces include a bike track and a market garden growing produce to be used within its commercial-grade Chef’s Kitchen.
Green Leaves Early Learning CEO Mark McDonald-Smith said he was excited to join the Howrah community.
“Green Leaves delivers premium early childhood education and care that exceeds traditional expectations and standards. We achieve this by providing high-quality learning and play environments, experiences, and educational programs, and by employing experienced, qualified, and passionate educators and teachers,” said Mr. McDonald-Smith.
“We deliver an individualised approach to learning and care, and foster nurturing and trusting relationships. Families notice the Green Leaves difference from the moment they first walk through our doors,” he added.
Bennett Construction delivered the centre to Green Leaves’ demanding specifications. Up to 30 workers were onsite daily during peak construction, with a total of around 200 workers over the delivery timeline.
According to Bennett Construction Director Jeremy Warren, every aspect of the facility was built with child safety in mind.
“This was a highly specialised build, constructed to Green Leaves’ exact requirements. Safety was considered in every detail – from the positioning of fixtures and fittings to the materials installed throughout the centre. Tipalea were incredibly supportive and responsive throughout the entire process,” said Mr. Warren.
“The fully equipped commercial kitchen is a real rarity in childcare centres, and the large outdoor environment was a major focus of the project. Landscaping alone took up a third of the overall construction program, where it would account for just six weeks on a standard childcare build.”
Green Leaves Early Learning Glebe Hill features bespoke architectural design by award-winning firm Brown Falconer, complemented by interactive public art.
The design embraces a calming residential scale to support play, learning and growth in a setting that feels safe, familiar and connected to nature.
It has been inspired by the local surroundings, with its gable roof form and natural-looking materials reflecting the character of nearby homes while offering a nurturing environment.
At the heart of the project is an interactive sculpture titled “I Hear You” – a colourful installation designed to encourage communication and play between children.
Tipalea Partners has been investing and creating jobs in Tasmania for over 15 years. Glebe Hill Childcare marks the developer’s seventh Tasmanian project.
Retail developments include the recently completed Spring Farm Village in Kingston with Stony Rise Village in Devonport currently under construction. Glebe Hill Village in Howrah was completed in 2022.