Plans for new childcare centre to be built on campus

Plans for new childcare centre to be built on campus. The University is close to concluding an agreement with the Co-operative Childcare, part of Midcounties Co-operative, to secure the future of childcare on campus. Funding has now been approved by the University's governing body (Council) for a new 100-place Nursery and Preschool, proposed to be located on land alongside the Freeman Centre in the south-east corner of campus. The agreement being finalised with the Co-operative Childcare would mean they run the childcare service and is now subject only to planning consent being obtained for the new building. Childcare staff and parents have had input to the design of the new building and advice has been sought from Brighton and Hove City Council's Early Years team and by visits to other centres. A planning application will be submitted to Lewes District Council next month, with the expectation of a planning decision in April. Construction would start soon afterwards, with a completion date in early 2013.