While mainly older people have visited the club's site in Hill Street since 1955, it will now be used by children aged 0-6 and staff.

Early education group Gowrie NSW, which already has centres in Sydney, Dubbo, Bathurst and Mudgee, has just bought Newstead.

The price has not been disclosed however selling agent Nigel Staniforth of Benchmark Commercial said it sold for "close to the asking price."

Ahead of an auction a year ago the property's price guide was understood to be $1.7-1.925 million.

Mr Staniforth said people showing interest in the building had included hospitality groups and those considering re-using it for allied health, as a residence and for offices.

"A lot of due diligence was needed. It's an iconic landmark property in Orange," he said.

Gowrie CEO Nicole Jones said they would need to apply to Orange City Council for approval to convert the building and the grounds into an early education facility.

"We are looking to retain the heritage features of that building as much as possible," she said.

"We think it is an amazing space."

She said they had an initial aim of opening in 2022.

However she said the opening date, hours of operation, number of places for children and staff numbers, had yet to be determined.

Ms Jones said they would employ local staff. "At our other centres in Dubbo and Kelso and Bathurst we absolutely employ locally. That is part of our commitment through this process," she said.

Ms Jones said most of the group's other centres operated from 7am-6pm.

She said the group had also taken over providing before and after school care for students at Kinross Wolaroi School.

Ms Jones said they were also looking to expand into providing professional learning training in Orange, which could involve working with TAFE.

"We're a professional learning provider. That's one thing that's always in need," she said.

Greg Hedley has been appointed as the project manager for the work.

Ms Jones said they would seek to use local resources through the planning and construction phases of the project.

She said families interested in registering to join the centre or people keen on work with the group should contact them via email at info@gowriensw.com.au

Newstead was built in 1890 as a solicitor's residence and sold in 1954 to become the bowling club in 1955.

Members voted to sell the club in 2014.

It amalgamated with Orange Ex-Services' Club last year.

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