GLASGOW City Council have applied for permission to develop a pre-five centre in a park on the east side of the city

The facility, for up to 87 two to five-year-olds, would be built in Hogarth Park, behind properties in Carntyne Road.

The centre is being provided as part of Glasgow City Council’s efforts to meet the Scottish Government commitment to increase the provision of free early learning and childcare from 600 hours a year to 1,140 hours for all three to five-year-olds, as well as eligible two-year-olds.

Accommodation will include four playrooms, a dining room, reception/office space, parents’ room, staff room, kitchen and laundry room, and toilets/changing facilities. A 15-space car park will be provided.

The early learning and childcare facility will be operational 52 weeks a year, open Monday to Friday between 8am to 6pm. There will be no set sessions, allowing families to use their allocated hours more flexibly. Pupil drop-off/collection will take place throughout the day.

A design statement explains: “The selected site is located in south east corner of the park, minimising the impact on the park generally, and making use of the existing access road. This area of Hogarth Park is largely hidden from passing users and as a result of its ‘backland’ location there are issues with antisocial behaviour.

“Part of the proposed development would include for a gate from Carntyne Path, to create access from the east during operational hours.

“The new nursery will provide natural surveillance throughout the day helping to make the park safer and more attractive to use.

The application is pending consideration by city planners.

It’s the fourth centre of its kind to be proposed for the city, with decisions still pending for sites in Tollcross Park, Broomhill and Govanhill.