A repeat client presented us with a brief to design a childcare facility on a 1950sqm lot within the City of Kwinana. The site was previously identified and termed ‘the gateway’ into the City of Kwinana and a detailed area plan had been adopted under the City of Kwinana’s Town Planning Scheme that was specific to the awkwardly shaped and sloping site. The development control criteria indicated that a childcare centre was a permissible land use, however, the clients’ brief did not meet many of the other gateway provisions, such as the requirement to deliver a two-storey development.  Working closely with the clients we were able to negotiate a feasible and appropriate plan and architectural response to present to the Design Review Committee and later obtain unanimous development approval. The solution was that the childcare facility would incorporate two first-floor commercial tenancies accessible via a separate entry point, and a ground level 72 placement childcare facility. The design ensured a commitment to appeasing the gateway provisions as well as the childcare provider and developer. The project is currently in contract documentation stage and we look forward to seeing the project come to fruition.