Hope for new kids' facility to replace torched centre

Roy Warren surveys the remains after a fire swept through Planet Kids in New Lynn. Photo / Sarah Ivey

Parents of about 70 children left without a childcare centre after a suspected arson in West Auckland on Saturday night may have somewhere new to go.

The Planet Kids childcare centre in New Lynn was gutted in what police and fire safety officers believe was an attack by a firebug.

The building was owned by the Waitakere City Council and was due to be demolished by the end of the year.

Planet Kids director Mark Stitt said discussions were continuing on an alternative and he hoped to be able to tell parents today if the negotiations had been successful. He said it was too early to indicate where they might go.

The fire was lit on the outside of the building and the flames quickly climbed the walls into the roof space.

"It went above the smoke detectors and heat detectors and was pretty established by the time the [fire] services were alerted," said Mr Stitt.

It had been an awful experience to see fire destroying the building.

"A lot of families are affected and it is such a stupid thing for anyone to have done."

Mr Stitt said staff were devastated.

About 45 firefighters and 15 fire appliances battled the blaze after an automatic fire alarm was activated.

The Fire Service also discovered asbestos in the building, which worried nearby residents concerned about dust blowing over the neighbourhood.

- NZPA