The Tamworth Community Centre is a multi-functional, heritage-listed building catering for the diverse needs of the Tamworth community. For details on all the facilities offered, please view the Tamworth Community Centre Brochure.

The Centre is located in Darling Street, Tamworth (Tamworth Street Map, ref E12) within easy reach of several community facilities such as the Tamworth Youth Centre, the Police Citizens Youth Club and the Billabong Clubhouse rehabilitation service.

As the home of the Tamworth Transit Lounge, which is used by volunteer drivers and clients attending medical appointments in Tamworth, the Community Centre is also conveniently located for Tamworth Base Hospital and several medical centres.

Like the slightly younger Manilla Town Hall, the Tamworth Community Centre occupies a site that has a long and fascinating history. In 1855, the Tamworth National School was built there and occupied the site up until 1876. Tamworth Borough Council purchased the site in 1877 for construction of the Town Hall and Council Chambers, which were officially opened by the Mayor Ald. C.J. Britten in September 1896. The building and grounds were gazetted Federal Government property in November 1934 and the Town Hall and Council Chambers moved to a newly constructed Town Hall in Fitzroy Street.

The building’s military history began in September 1939 when Captain E.J Mountain, M.C opened the Recruiting Depot for World War II enlistees. Later that year, the building became the headquarters of Army Area 33A and in June 1948 the headquarters of ‘B’SQN 12/16 Hunter River Lancers transferred there from Muswellbrook. The building was renamed the Peel Barracks.

In October 1987, Tamworth City Council purchased the building and land for $400,000 from the Commonwealth Government and a Permanent Conservation Order was gazetted by the Heritage Council of NSW. In April 1988 the Tamworth City Council resolved to refurbish and extend the existing building, including the open area originally used as a parade ground at the corner of Darling and Peel Streets and to create a Heritage precinct on the adjoining lands for a multi-purpose Community Centre. Work began on this project in November 1989 with architect John Carr Associates and builder Dengate Constructions. The total cost of refurbishment and the new additions was $1.8 million, which was jointly funded by Tamworth City Council and the Home and Community Care Programme.

The building was officially opened on 18 August 1990 by Ald D. P. John Mayor.

Facilities

The Centre's history is reflected in the naming of its rooms. It has:

• two small meeting rooms, the School Room (approx 20 seats) and the Barracks Room (approx 15 seats)
• the larger Britten Room (approx 70 seat capacity)
• the Heritage Room (approx 200 seat capacity)

There are three seperate waiting areas, which can be used in conjunction with the rooms and all the rooms are available for hire. As well as these multi-configurable rooms, the Tamworth Community Centre has both a fully equipped kitchen and a fully-functioning bar, a range of meeting equipment for hire such as electronic whiteboard and overhead projector. The Centre is air-conditioned throughout and is wheelchair accessible, with free off-street parking. The Centre's versatility means it can cater for a wide variety of functions, such as community meetings, seminars and training events, balls and wedding receptions, concerts and auctions.

Opening hours

The Tamworth Community Centre is open 8:30am to 5:00pm, Monday to Friday.

For all enquiries and bookings contact the Community Centre on (02) 6766 4480 or email trc@tamworth.nsw.gov.au.