Greater Hume Children Services team leader Fiona Pattinson said the centre, which was yesterday opened for a preview, was due to open in coming weeks.

"We're just waiting for the final service approval for up to 25 children," she said.

"When we come into this building it will be five days a week, 7.30 to 5.30.

"We're also looking at before and after school hours care."

Ms Pattinson said parents were impressed by the hub, which has two disabled adult toilets, two sets of children's bathrooms, a sleeping room and two kitchens.

"They are amazed at the size and the natural elements - we're going to have a fire pit, there will be a dry river bed with a water pump so they can make mud kitchens - they're excited," she said.

Aimee Mellington was looking forward to her daughters attending there.

"It's great - we have been talking about this for about eight years," she said.