It will be licensed to provide care and education for up to 104 children, between the ages of 0-5 years.

Catholic Diocese of Maitland - Newcastle chief executive officer Sean Scanlon and St Nicholas Early Education general operations manager Kerri Armstrong visited the green fields' site in Station Street on Friday to ceremoniously turn the first sod.

They were joined by Catholic Diocese of Maitland - Newcastle employees Ray Bowen (head of property) and Kurt Daley (construction manager), who've helped pave the way for the exciting development.

Mr Scanlon said the site, located directly opposite Rosary Park Primary School, was selected with parents in mind.

"We want to make the school drop-off and pick-up experience as easy as possible for parents and children," he explained.

"With the addition of an early education centre across the road from Rosary Park Primary School, parents with children of various ages can avoid the hassle of getting in and out of the car for multiple drops offs, saving precious time."

Branxton is the seventh early education centre operated by the diocese in the Hunter region for St Nicholas Early Education.

Other sites include Lochinvar, Chisholm, Singleton, Newcastle West, Raymond Terrace and Cardiff.

Future developments are planned for Maitland, Muswellbrook, Gillieston Heights and Medowie.

"Branxton and the surrounding area have been identified as an area of extensive growth over the next five years," Mr Scanlon said.

"St Nicholas plans to provide early education services that will cater to the needs of the community now - and in the future.

"Our research indicates that by 2026, the area will experience a 41 per cent population growth."

Operating Monday-Friday, from 6.30am to 6pm, the Branxton-based early education centre will also provide local families greater flexibility.

"Many residents are employed in neighbouring areas," Mr Scanlon said.

"We expect St Nicholas' extended operating hours, coupled with an increased provision of childcare in town, will be of huge benefit to locals when managing the demands of family and work life."

In addition to supporting families in employment outside the township, the establishment of the centre is expected to increase employment opportunities locally.

"At capacity we expect the centre to employ approximately 22 educators, three trainees a cook and cleaners," Mr Scanlon said.

"St Nicholas Early Education promotes employment from the local community as a priority."

Rosary Park Primary School and the local Parish have been very supportive of the St Nicholas Early Education development, which will provide local families with the opportunity to enrol their children in a catholic-inspired education in Branxton from ages 0-12 years.

Ms Armstrong said St Nicholas Early Education had a proud history of working with the Catholic Schools Office to deliver exciting learning opportunities for children enrolled at their centres.

"We're looking forward to offering our Transition to School Program in collaboration with Rosary Park Primary School, for pre-school aged children, to support their educational pathway," she explained.

As part of the program, children will take part in excursions to the neighbouring school, supporting children to gain the foundational skills that will help make the leap to the school environment a positive experience.

"St Nicholas educators implement a Reggio Emilia inspired curriculum that is underpinned by a child-led, play-based approach to learning," Ms Armstrong said.

"This approach is complemented by our high ratios of educator to child, ensuring personalised care and support."

Mother of two, and new resident to the Branxton area, Natalie Cortis embraced the St Nicholas Early Education development.

She's already registered interest to enrol her youngest child at the centre via the St Nicholas website.

"Being a new family to the area of Branxton, we are extremely excited to see big things happening, including the development of a brand new early education centre for our daughter," Ms Curtis said.

"It is a bonus to have it located across the road from our school of choice, and where our daughter is currently enrolled in kindergarten.

"Mostly, we are excited St Nicks will be implementing a Transition to School Program, meaning our youngest daughter will be given the opportunity to visit her future primary school in a supportive and educational setting.

"And, she can visit her big sister at the same time.

"We just love the community vibe that Branxton allows our family to experience."

The Branxton early education service will provide children with a full-service food-menu including morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea as well as the provision of nappies and cot linens.

The centre is expected to take shape within months, with construction-company Artel Constructions arriving onsite this week with machinery and a workforce of up to 70 people during the build.

St Nicholas Early Education will be taking interested families on tours of the centre from December 2019, and officially begin operations from January 2020.

Demand for the service is expected to be high, and those interested in reserving a space for their child are encouraged to register their interest by visiting stnicholasmn.org.au

Hunter-based company SDA Architecture is the lead design consultant for the centre, supported by Terras Landscape Architects, who designed the outdoor play area.