The renovations of Brooklyn Early Childhood Centre (BECC) were completed in April 2010. Children and staff are well settled in and enjoying their new and improved spaces.
Completion of the building project marks a significant upgrade of centre facilities and is the culmination of several years dedicated work by a core group of BECC staff, committee members, parents and contractors.
It was with much pride and excitement that the refreshed and revitalised BECC premises were officially opened on 23 April 2010.
Why renovate?
Having served the Centre well for over twenty years, the premises on Washington Ave were nevertheless in need of upgrade.
In order to address significant issues relating to the interior physical environment of the Centre (particularly lack of a separate, dedicated sleep area and poor nappy changing and toileting facilities) and in light of new Ministry of Education Early Childhood licensing criteria, renovation was identified as a priority to ensure the long term viability of the Centre.
An enthusiastic building sub-committee was formed in 2007 and an intensive period of planning and fundraising followed, until building work commenced in December 2009.
What was achieved?
The primary result of the renovation is a more spacious, light and functional environment for staff and children.
The list of major improvements includes:
- a dedicated sleep room
- a separate raised library area
- improved child toileting, hand-washing and nappy changing facilities
- a teaching friendly kitchen space
- separate adult toilet
- new paint and flooring throughout
- external sunshade
- revamped office and staff room
Paying for the renovations
Fundraising, donations and grants were the main sources of funding for the building upgrade. The improved facilities are the result of all families at the centre contributing.
A shortfall in the $150,000 plus project is being funded through an unsecured bank loan. This is being serviced by the building levy each family contributes to (see the fees page for details).
Acknowledgments and thanks
The renovation would not have been possible had it not been for the input, commitment and financial support of several key individuals, businesses and organisations.
BECC is infinitely grateful to St. Matthew’s Church for their responsive and supportive role as landlords – and to Brooklyn School for allowing the Centre to temporarily relocate to its newly renovated hall during the period of building work.
Special thanks are extended to Nigel of Light House Architecture (and parent at the Centre) for his untiring commitment and the exhaustive hours of architectural and project management services he provided during the course of the project.
Others without whose input the renovation would not have happened, or gone some so smoothly, were Sophie, David (fixing, moving and repairing) and Karen (working to meet MoE requirements), Diana (a core member of the sub committee), Annette (especially with interior design) and Alistair and Catherine (both part of the initial project team).
We gratefully acknowledgment the projects’ sponsors and financial supporters:
