The Orchard Childcare Centre, Corofin, Co. Galway
For Sale By Private Treaty
Investment Opportunity | Going Concern

INTRODUCTION
O’Donnellan & Joyce Auctioneers are delighted to bring to offer for sale, as a going concern, this impressive Childcare & Creche business situated in a beautifully presented historic monastery building located in the tranquil setting of Corofin, Co. Galway. The creche spans to 606.86 sq.m./6,532.18 sq.ft. in total between the main building and two additional outbuildings. The property also offers a substantial walled garden, orchard and ample parking.

DESCRIPTION
The Orchard Childcare centre is situated on a campus which measures approximately 3.19 acres / 1.29 hectares and comprises of the landmark Monastery building and two additional modern buildings which each offer classroom spaces and ancillary services. The grounds of the property offers ample parking to the front and rear, beautifully landscaped gardens with outdoor play areas, an animal pen, a walled garden and a number of old stone buildings which could be further developed to offer storage sheds, accommodation or additional learning zones.

The monastery building itself was originally constructed in c.1850 and is steeped in history throughout. Offering many noteworthy architectural features, much of the building has been repaired and maintained to conserve its stately grandeur. It served as a monastic settlement for over 100 years after which it was converted into a private residence. In 2006, the current owners acquired the building and set about upgrading many of the services and décor throughout the building to bring it in line with modern day standards and to suit its new use as a creche and childcare centre.

In its current layout, the monastery offers a generous number of class rooms, sleeping rooms, dining room and bathrooms to cater for the needs of the 140 children that the business currently has enrolled across a range of age groups.

The ground floor of the building measures 213 sq.m. and comprises of an entrance hallway, sleeping room, baby room, toddler room, dining room and kitchen. There is also a staff toilet, unisex children’s toilets, changing room and a large play school room which was once the chapel within the original monastery. From the ground floor, there are a number of exits which lead to outdoor play areas and to the main carpark. The first floor of the property offers 153 sq.m. of accommodation spanning two large Montessori rooms, a large games room, office, store and toilets. The upper floor area of the chapel is currently used for storage but could be reconfigured to offer an additional c. 50sq.m. of usable space.

Between 2016 and 2018, the owners increased the capacity of the business with the addition of two modern out-buildings which offers floor areas of 143 sq.m. and 90 sq.m. respectively. The additional accommodation offers open plan play rooms, two class rooms and 5 bathrooms.

Throughout the property, it is apparent that the current owners have spared no expense in creating a wonderful, safe environment which promotes learning in a comfortable space.

The site comprises of a generous sized carpark to the front with space for 20+ vehicles. There is a one way traffic system in place with dedicated entrance and exit points to the main road. To the rear of the monastery building, there is an outdoor play area with shock absorbing and anti-slip flooring. Additionally, there is a large walled garden which offers a raised “sky walk”, mud kitchens, play areas and pitch. A poly tunnel and vegetable gardens complete the walled garden which offers an educational space throughout. To the north of the property, there are a number of additional, cleverly designed outdoor play areas featuring a boat, playhouses and other items which encourage social interaction and learning.

The outdoor areas are complimented by an animal pen and paddocks which are home to chickens, rabbits and goats. The paddock area adjoins the class rooms and offers a tranquil setting for one to sit and watch the creche “pets” to go about their business. In addition to the animal houses, there are a number of old stone buildings which are in need of refurbishment but could offer additional accommodation, storage or any number of uses subject to completion of works.

ABOUT THE BUSINESS
The Orchard Creche currently operates from 7.30 am to 6 pm, Monday to Friday and employs a staff of 24 who are all qualified for their respective role with minimum level 6 qualifications in place. The are a number of level 8 and 9 staff employed as well as a full time manager and assistant manager. The business also employs a cook and a number of part time cleaners who maintain the property to the highest standard. The business has experienced very low staff turnover since it opened in 2007 and due to its location and reputation, it is booked out to capacity every year with a substantial waiting list in place. The business is at full capacity currently with demand also for the 2023/2024 season.

Access via foot directly to the rear of the adjoining national school has resulted in over 70 school age children attending both before and after school care which brings an additional income for the business. The business offers an after-school care service during holiday season with separate class rooms and play areas to cater for the demand. The national school has proven to be a feeder for the creche while the creche also acts as a feeder for the school – a location and feature that cannot be rivalled by competing businesses.

The Orchard Childcare centre currently charges €200 per week for full time day care. It is also in receipt of Core and NCS funding. The business was most recently inspected by TUSLA on 14th August 2022 and was fully compliant. Each of the buildings are compliant with building regulations and have valid fire certification in place also.

FURTHER INFORMATION
A video tour of the property is available on request. Key financials and further information can be obtained by contacting sales agent Aaron O’Reilly of O’Donnellan & Joyce Auctioneers.

VIEWINGS
All viewings are strictly by appointment through the selling agents O’Donnellan & Joyce Auctioneers.

BER
BER B1 / E2
BER number – 800871337, 800692204, 800711137
Energy Rating –324.09 – 420.87 kWh/m2/yr
CO2 Emissions – 77.18 – 113.44 kgCO2/m2/yr