Soil turn launches new AQ partnership with Kool Beanz SUNS Gold Coast
25 Oct 2021
The soil was turned this morning to announce the commencement of works on the new Kool Beanz Academy at the Metricon Stadium, Carrara, home of Gold Coast SUNS.
Construction will commence this week on the $10 million development, which is being built by Alder Constructions.
Autism Queensland will work in partnership with Kool Beanz to support the inclusion of children in the centre, playing an integral role in the provision of therapy supports within the early learning setting, and providing assessment and therapy services for older children in co-located premises.
The centre is designed for 203 enrolments with up to 30 of these spaces specifically for children requiring extra care. Autism Queensland will work in partnership with Kool Beanz Academy to support the inclusion of children in the centre and will also provide assessment and therapy services for older children in co-located premises.
The centre will feature 13 classrooms and ancillary facilities as well as an art room, library, LEGO room and master chef kitchen. A large auditorium will host spectators for stage performances, presentations and graduations allowing our families to be involved in the most important events of their children’s early years.
The inclusive outdoor space focuses on nature with an environment likened to a lush rainforest with the addition of over 150 trees, 1200 shrubs and a walk-through aviary. A running creek will flow through the grounds for water play as well as Old MacDonald’s Farm, with animals for the children to learn to look after. Vegetable gardens will provide the perfect environment for sustainable learning as well as grow seasonal produce to be used in the children’s food menus. It will be an ever-changing and free-flowing environment that stimulates all the senses.
Kool Beanz Academy currently operate six childcare centres across Northern NSW, offering the highest quality care and education to the local communities of Casuarina, Ocean Shores, Mullumbimby, Byron Bay and Suffolk Park.
(Above) AQ General Manager Education Support and Therapy Services Jen Catts (second left) turns the soil with (l-r) City of Gold Coast Deputy Mayor Donna Gates, Gold Coast Suns Chief Executive Mark Evans, Kool Beanz Owner & Founder Bruce Coulson, Carolyne Coulson, and Alder Constructions General Manager Dean Cheffers.
