Inspecting progress on the $2 million stage 1 refurbishment of the Old Armidale Teachers’ College last week, NSW Public Works Advisory Project Manager Meroeh Suesser, left, Public Works Advisory Regional Manager Chris Hague, Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall and head Contractor Domenic Cosoleto from CIP Fitout.
Monday, 1 November 2021
WORK to transform the Old Armidale Teachers’ College into a State Government Department of Regional NSW (DRNSW) hub and restore some of its key heritage features is well underway, with Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall last week inspecting progress on the $2 million, first-stage, of the building’s refurbishment.
Mr Marshall said the Armidale hub would join Queanbeyan, Dubbo and Coffs Harbour as one of four new DRNSW offices that were announced when the department was formed in June 2020.
“Once complete, the hub will become the home of up to 100 new jobs in Armidale, joining three quarters of the department’s staff who are already based in the regions and living in the communities they serve,” Mr Marshall said.
“This project will not only stimulate the local economy by creating more government and construction jobs in the area, but it will also rejuvenate a much-loved, prominent building in the community.
“The first stage of the fit-out at will deliver 60 work points, as well as staff collaboration space, meeting rooms and staff facilities.
“This is the best possible outcome for the preservation of the heritage listed CB Newling building – it will breathe new life into this grand old dame of the city.”
Building contractor Corporate Interior Projects Pty Ltd has been appointed to complete the first stage of internal fit out works. The company is committed to using local trades and suppliers, with a focus on supporting greater participation by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
Mr Marshall said the hub was part of a broader strategy from the NSW Government to encourage roles to be relocated to the bush.
“The new fit out will support DRNSW service delivery needs and provide quality, sustainable workplaces and spaces designed to promote collaboration and flexible work practices across government,” he said.
“At Armidale, this includes working with the NSW Department of Education to upgrade space within the building to provide new and improved facilities for the New England Conservatorium of Music (NECOM).
“We are also working with the community group, Friends of Teachers College to install a lift to provide greater community accessibility to this precious community asset.”
The first stage of the college fit-out work is anticipated to be completed later this year.