Preschool looks forward to opening
SIMON WONG
Last puzzle piece: Jigsaw preschool in Hodson St, Blenheim, hopes to open within two months after getting its code of compliance, its developers says
A preschool without children or teachers is a sad sight, but that will soon change when Blenheim's newest preschool opens within two months.
Jigsaw Preschool, on Hodson St, has been ready and waiting to be filled with resources, teachers and children since the building was completed last year.
The preschool has been built by Ireland Group, which is owned by Christchurch couple Hamish and Trish Ireland. Jigsaw preschools are owned by Mrs Ireland.
Mr Ireland, a property developer, said the preschool finally had a code of compliance from the Marlborough District Council and would be "gearing up to open in the near future".
"It took a long time to get a consent through ... and, while there were some delays over construction, it's now finished," he said.
"It's taken a long time, but we're ready."
The preschool can cater for up to 75 children aged from 3 months to school age and will be open from 7am to 6pm.
The building was ready to be resourced with educational equipment, and a playground would be fitted out, Mr Ireland said.
The preschool company had done a "very thorough" study on the Marlborough area, including its demographics and needs and what was being provided by other centres, before it opened, he said.
Marlborough had a "good array" of early childhood services, but none had long opening hours, he said.
The company did its own annual research to monitor changes in the early childhood sector around each of their centres, including those in Christchurch, Richmond and Blenheim, he said.
The Ireland Group had been granted resource consent to build on the site in July 2006.
Building consent was issued in February 2008.
Prospective teachers or parents wanting to enrol their children can call Jigsaw Preschool on 0800991234.
- The Marlborough Expres
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