A new early child-care centre officially opened its doors in Milton on Friday.
The Tokomairiro Early Learning Centre on Johnson St had needed more space to accommodate the growing number of children.
"We looked at both purpose-built and renovated child-care centres, before deciding renovating was the cheapest and best option," head teacher Kim McDonald said.
The centre took over a property in Spenser St.
The property had been a rest-home, and was converted in less than two months.
"It's a lovely new space here. We wanted a flexible environment for kids of different ages," Ms McDonald said.
Tokomairiro Early Learning Centre on Spenser St has four full-time registered teachers, plus an additional two full-time teachers with international qualifications.
Twelve children attend the new centre, which is licensed for 25 children from newborns to 6 years of age.
The layout of the old rest-home meant the building was easy to convert. To help meet government guidelines, viewing windows had been installed in the sleeping rooms, windows now were safety glass and there were new fences and gates.
An open day held three weeks ago received "wonderful" feedback from parents and the community, Ms McDonald said.
