The 1.7m purpose-built centre in the London Borough of Hounslow incorporates Norwood Green Children's Centre, a 103-place nursery and 20-place creche. It will provide a focal point and training opportunities for NDNA members in London.
Ms Eisenstadt joined NDNA chief executive Purnima Tanuku on a tour of the building and unveiled a commemorative plaque. She also presented the centre with a prestigious Royal Institute of British Architects award for its high architectural standards and inspiring environment.
The centre, designed by architects Cottrell & Vermeulen, consists of a large steel and glass reinforced plastic frame with a series of rooms beneath. An oversized roof creates extra outdoor 'rooms' - including a sandy beach - for use on rainy days.
Presenting the award, Ms Eisenstadt said, 'It is fabulous to see the huge amount of natural light in the centre and I very much like the child-level windows. The early years sector is lucky because there is involvement of both private and voluntary groups. We must ensure that this involvement continues and that the private sector is not driven out of new projects.'
Ms Tanuku said, 'This centre is a classic example of a successful public-private partnership. Hounslow EYDCP have been very supportive and we are proud to have made the partnership work.'
The Hounslow centre is one of five NDNA regional centres to be opened in the first phase of the Association's regional development strategy. Other centres are located in the north-east, north-west, East Midlands and West Midlands.
A 1.75m Yorkshire centre combining facilities for NDNA members and a new NDNA head office is expected to open by 2007.