A huge funding win for the Armidale Riding Club, Regional Architecture Association’s Dominque Wong-See, left, and Virginia Wong-See, Armidale Riding Club members Robin Cameron, Bill and Tonya Wheeler, Ronnie the Horse, Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall, President Ros Edwards, Kerry Crees and Sue Mills.
Thursday, 17 February 2022
ONE of the biggest hurdles ‘reigning in’ growth at Armidale Riding Club has today been cleared, with Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall announcing a $360,185 State Government grant to construct a modern new clubhouse and training facility at its home base on Kennedy Street.
Mr Marshall said the state-of-the-art facility would replace the 100-year-old dairy building, which currently acts at the club’s base of operations.
“The existing timber and fibro dairy building was converted to a canteen and administration space for the riding club 50 years ago,” Mr Marshall said.
“The problem with that building now is that it floods regularly and only has basic amenities.
“This new clubhouse will have it all including canteen, education and training space and administration area which is vital for hosting major events.
“Importantly, for the first time there will be showers on site, as new accessible amenities are included in one end of the building.
“This building gives the opportunity to bring the site’s various user groups under one roof, in particular Armidale Riding for the Disabled which is currently working out of a shipping container.
“The clubhouse project will provide modern, safe and accessible facilities that will encourage greater participation, particularly by women in equine sports.”
Armidale Riding Club President Ros Edwards said members were excited for the long-term benefits which will result from this improvement to the Armidale Equestrian Centre.
“The opportunities this building will offer us are endless,” Miss Edwards said.
“Armidale Riding Club, Armidale Horse and Pony Club, New England and District Showjumping Club and Riding for the Disabled have been using the old dairy as a club house for more than 50 years – unfortunately it’s no longer fit-for-purpose.
“Our grants team led by Bill Wheeler, working closely with Virginia Wong-See from Architecture @altitude, submitted a terrific proposal focused on increasing participation of women in sport.
“Local and visiting competitors will benefit from modern change and shower facilities previously not available. Event managers will have an efficient space to coordinate competitions and conduct award ceremonies.
“All clubs involved look forward to construction being complete and then being able to make use of these modern facilities.
“We thank the State Government, and in particular our local member Adam Marshall for his continued support of the New England region.”