Guyra is set to get a new $1.5 million early learning centre that will double the current maximum number of enrolments for the town.
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The first stage of a new purpose-built centre behind the council's civic administration building will incorporate before and after school care, a vacation care room and a community room.
The new building, to be located behind Council's civic administration building in Guyra, will enable the centre to double its maximum number of enrolments.
The second stage will bring the University of New England and TAFE Study Hubs under the same roof, with the UNE hub to be relocated until funding is provided.
"This represents a substantial increase in the quality of early childhood learning facilities for Guyra and surrounds, as well as meeting the needs of many more local children and their families," Armidale Regional Council mayor Simon Murray said.
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"The new location in the heart of Guyra, directly behind the council chambers, will also help to further activate the town's central business district.
"It further builds on momentum the CBD revitalisation provided by council's current CBD upgrade."
He said the project has been greatly assisted by $613,000 from the Federal Government, with a $900,000 input from council.
Federal Member for New England, Barnaby Joyce, said the Federal Government was committed to providing parents with access to quality early learning facilities.
"These first few years play a crucial role in a child's early development," Mr Joyce said.
"So having access to a first-class learning environment such as this will go a long to providing kids here in Guyra with the best possible start in life."
Cr Murray said the new facility would enable Guyra Preschool and Long Day Care Centre to surpass National Quality Standards, which are assessed annually to determine accreditation.
"It is projected enrolments will increase from about 29 to 58 for daily preschool and long day care operations and to 30 children for out-of-school-hours care," he said.
"Not only will more families benefit from its services, this will greatly enhance the centre's long-term financial viability and create more jobs in the town."
He said the more centralised location would provide greater access to learning resources such as the Guyra library.
"Guyra Pre-school has been looking to develop a new pre-school and day care for a long time and this will be a great step forward for the community," Cr Murray said.
