Concepts for the UNE Tamworth campus on public display
University of new England Media Release
The University of New England (UNE) has put on display initial architectural design concepts for the proposed UNE Tamworth Campus on the old Velodrome site on Peel Street in the Tamworth CBD.
The designs go on public display today at UNE Tamworth on Fitzroy Street to allow the community to get a first glimpse of the architect’s vision for Tamworth’s university campus.
UNE Vice-Chancellor Professor Chris Moran said he was excited to see months of research and consultation with the community come together in an initial vision for the site.
“UNE believes that increasing access to and opportunity for higher education in the Tamworth region through the UNE presence in the city is an important mission,” Professor Moran said.
“The proposed building design shows an inspiring physical space for student support and engagement with the community. The designs being presented today show how the building’s spaces might flexibly adapt to the needs of the community as the city grows and its education needs change.
“I congratulate the team on creating a design that embraces the site’s natural environment, the climate of Tamworth, Indigenous heritage and the needs of our current and future students.”
Project Principal Leader at Architectus, Karl Eckermann, said the design team worked with a First Nations co-designer, Yerrabinbgin, and members of the local community to get a detailed understanding of the environment and the site.
“The design team has created a building that promotes student success, equitable access to learning, and that is inclusive and welcoming,” he said.
“The materials, colours and soft geometry of the building reflect the landscape and the bend of the Peel River and we are proud of this architecturally significant addition to the city of Tamworth.
“We have designed with community in mind, including First Nations, future students and industry. Importantly, this building considers the harsh climate of Tamworth and comes with a five star environmental rating.”
Member for Tamworth Kevin Anderson said that the designs showcased today are the community’s first look at the future of education in Tamworth.
“We’re beginning to see the realisation of a project our community has been dreaming about for a very long time,” Mr Anderson said.
“Because of the hard work of the Tamworth University Reference Group, UNE, the Council, and the community, parents can look forward to a future where their child can go from preschool through to a University degree right here in Tamworth.”
Tamworth Region Mayor Russell Webb said a local campus is a key strategic factor in the growth and development of the Tamworth region.
"There is no doubt a UNE campus in Tamworth will be a game changer for our community," he said.
"It's an educational win because our residents will be able to study while continuing to live and work here. Plus it's an economic win initially through the construction phase and then into the future by adding to the great lifestyle our region offers.
“This new campus will directly help us to achieve our Blueprint 100 vision of generating new jobs and improving skill levels of our community.”
The Hon. Barnaby Joyce MP Shadow Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Member for New England said “Establishing the UNE Tamworth campus is important, not only for the continuum of access to education in the City of Tamworth, but it is also important for our economy, providing jobs across the education and supporting sectors that keep a university going. I look forward to seeing the ongoing hard work of the Tamworth University Reference Group come to fruition.”
User testing of the initial designs will continue throughout the remainder of 2023.
Award winning architectural firm Architectus was appointed in March 2023 to lead the design of the Tamworth Central Campus. Project Management firm, Touchstone Partners, will deliver the project. Local firm Hill Lockart Architects will provide onsite advice and monitoring during the construction period.
The construction of UNE Tamworth Central is possible thanks to $26.6 million from the NSW Government’s $500 million Growing Local Economies Fund, under the Restart NSW Fund, and contributions by UNE, Tamworth Regional Council and the Federal Government.
UNE Tamworth is intended to complement UNE’s Armidale and Sydney campuses and extend the comprehensive support UNE provides both formally and informally through study centres, research facilities, incubators and broader outreach across the region.
Members of the community can also provide their feedback on the project through the Development Application process through Tamworth Regional Council.