It has been a long time coming but we finally have a look at what Tamworth’s UNE Campus could look like.
Today, the University of New England has released their initial architectural design concept for the proposed UNE Tamworth Campus, to be located on the old Velodrome site on Peel Street in the Tamworth CBD.
Tamworth Regional Council says it has restored faith the community needed.
“We are very excited to see they have designed a unique and magnificent looking building that fits in with eh landscape very well.” said Russell Webb, Mayor Tamworth Regional Council
“This is what people needed to see, they were beginning to questions when and if this was going to happen or not, so yes, it is, and this is the first step in demonstrating to the community that it is serious, and we are all very excited to move forward.”
For the University of New Engand it is the work of months of research and consultation with the community to present to you this 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,” said UNE Vice Chancellor Chris Moran.
“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.”
The new four-storey building prioritises flexibility, amenity, and connectivity to enrich the campus and student experience. With over 2,000 square metres, the facility will include flexible, multi-purpose spaces to support teaching, research and collaboration. The building is designed to achieve a 5-star Green Star rating.
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.”
History of Tamworth’s UNE Campus
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.
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.
Member for Tamworth Kevin Anderson said he was thrilled that this project is progressing, as it will deliver a vibrant new education campus for Tamworth with multi-purpose facilities to support teaching, research, and collaboration.
“The construction of a new campus will unlock jobs for the New England region, and once built, will play a crucial role in educating our workforce and driving innovation, benefitting the future careers of thousands of students in Tamworth and beyond.”
Development approval is expected soon with construction to start early 2024 and completion 2025.