Children's nursery plans for former outdoor shop at Newport garden centre could create 10 new jobs
A children's nursery in Newport has revealed plans to move into a bigger, neighbouring unit at Mere Park Garden Centre.
Childrensworld Newport could be on the move - but only round the corner to another unit at Mere Park Garden Centre.
The nursery has applied for permission to change the use of Unit 4, the former Outdoor Focus store, in order to relocate and expand its childcare provision.
Plans include the creation of a first-floor level within the 485 square metre building and the creation of a 26-space car park and external play area.
The replacement nursery would have the capacity to accommodate up to 118 children ranging in age from 0 to 11 years old - up from its current capacity of 97.
The application claims the change will create 10 additional full-time positions, which will be made available on a full and part-time basis and potentially increase the number of staff from 23 to 40.
In March 2022, a planning application was submitted to relocate the existing nursery to land to the south of Unit 4 within the garden centre complex but it was refused later that same year over concerns about encroachment onto rural land and flooding.
A second application for the relocation was withdrawn after Unit 4 became available as an alternative option.
The unit, which sits opposite the Premier Inn, was once the home of Outdoor Focus - a store selling outdoor clothing, tents and camping equipment.
The full application is available to view online on Telford & Wrekin Council's planning portal using reference number: TWC/2024/0841
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