Following two years of planning alongside preferred operator The Grove Academy, construction of the innovative facility started this week, much to the pleasure of Ms Cosmos.

The Shellharbour Workers Club CEO said the award-winning operators of The Grove Academy understood community needs and were focused on producing a high quality offering.

‘’We’re excited to partner with The Grove Academy and their unique approach to child care and early learning. Their focus on space, design and architecture with an emphasis on a high quality outdoor play area perfectly aligned with our vision for the space,’’ Ms Cosmos said.

The architectural development is nestled within the far south-west corner of the club, in a dedicated area of nearly 5000 metres squared.

Ms Cosmos said the centre is nearly ‘’three times the size’’ of a typical childcare centre.

‘’This synergistic partnership promises to deliver a benchmark childcare facility that is not only unique, innovative and contemporary but that is designed to engage and excite our children,’’ she said.

The Grove Academy director Mathew Malek, said he was excited to extend his unique philosophy to childcare to Shellharbour.

‘’With its unique size, we were able to develop such an innovative design with so many creative areas for the children to explore including a dedicated music and art room,’’ he said.

Weather permitting, the centre will be completed by December, with The Grove Academy keen to start operating from January, 2018.

Ms Cosmos said the childcare centre was the first stage of the club’s diversification projects, outlined in its 20 year Estate Plan alongside a swim and fitness centre, hotel precinct and medical precinct.