13 November 2025
Facing an uncertain future, Kelly’s Place Childcare Centre looks likely to be able to operate at its current location at Hume St, Crows Nest with Council set to agree to a one year lease extension.
A report due to be presented to Council at a meeting on 17 November is likely to be adopted by councillors. The motion seeks to “extend the lease for the Kelly’s Place Children’s Centre for a further period of 12 months, and during this time, work with Kelly’s Place management and Committee to explore all other opportunities for continued operations including but not limited to relocation to private property, consideration of smaller operations and smaller premises.”
This gives the centre a one year life line after it appeared they would close or be forced to relocate.
At a North Sydney Council meeting in March it was resolved to proceed with plans to expand Hume Street Park. Council staff were given the green light to commence planning and consultation on plans which include the pedestrianisation of Hume Street between Clarke Street and the southern side of the indoor Sports Centre, with closure to vehicular traffic.
However, the most controversial part of the plan includes the demolition of the childcare centre, Kelly’s Place, which would make way for turfing and pavement as part of an expanded park space. The centre, which was established in 1988, is a community-run, not-for-profit organisation that rents the building at low cost from the council.
Anna Field, who is a volunteer and member of Kelly’s Place management committee, presented to the council on behalf of the centre at its meeting on Monday, 10 March.
“For 40 years we have, together with the Council, supported over two thousand children and their families, and Kelly’s Place looks forward to doing this for the next 40 years and beyond,” Field told the council.
Plans to redevelop the site date back to 2012, and in 2015, plans were revealed that would include the childcare centre. However, in 2021, a council resolution indicated they would look into the relocation of Kelly’s Place to an alternative site.
For now a decision on the future of Kelly’s Place essentially has been put on hold for a year.