Pile drivers at work near the turnoff to Ocean Beach have noisily announced the start of work on a new early learning centre for Raglan, but other than that it’s still “quiet time” for the long-rumoured project.
The now Raglan-domiciled couple behind the ‘Lets Grow Early Learning Centre’ did not want to be identified last week and were reluctant to say much more than that construction had finally begun after a two-year consent process, Luke Mathers was the builder and they were looking to open early next year.
They added they would provide the “finer details of the business” around October.
A sign at the site, on the corner of Wainui Road and Riria Kereopa Memorial Drive, points interested passers-by to a website which talks of the peaceful rural setting “which will allow children space and freedom to move and play, awakening their senses, helping the children to learn”.
The website also has a waiting list form which specifies a minimum 6.5 hours per booking.
The new centre enters a market long dominated by Raglan Childcare & Education Centre in Wallis Street and its associated Matapihi Kindergarten at Te Mata, and Raglan Kindergarten in Stewart Street.
Edith Symes
