The Australian Equine and Livestock Events Centre in Tamworth is rapidly taking shape on the outskirts of the north western NSW city and is set for a grand opening in mid 2008. The centre is now underway on a 22-hectare site on the southern outskirts of Tamworth on the New England Highway.
Tamworth Regional Council is building the Australian Equine and Livestock Events Centre in Tamworth at a project cost of $28.8million. The spectacular Australian Equine and Livestock Events Centre is being built on the New England Highway near the Longyard area by National Buildplan, a contractor with extensive experience in major construction projects. The centre has been designed by Timothy Court & Co Architects.
The centre is set to be much more than just a large performing tin shed that was first envisaged for the site - it will become an iconic landmark. It will include a superior stadium design on two levels and a theatre-style selling ring.
It will have an indoor arena to seat 3500 and ultimately 5000, stables for 478 horses and ultimately 700, a covered stud selling area with seating for 660 which can double as a warm up area, and truck and camping facilities for at least 195 vehicles.
The main stadium, which holds the interconnected indoor arena and sales complex will be built first, along with some of the six stable blocks that will occupy the new Longyard precinct site. The covered cattle yards, campdraft and outdoor arenas, and equine sporting fields will also be built and the TAFE equine and livestock educational buildings, which will be located in the stable complex, will also be constructed this year.
The Australian Equine and Livestock Events Centre represents the final success of a decade-long community quest which recognised the value of the equine and livestock industries and a desire to increase this region’s stake in future growth and development of those industries. Equine and livestock events are worth more than $45 million annually in the Tamworth region. Already over 120 separate organisations have shown interest in using the new centre when it is completed.
Construction officially started on June 15, 2007 and work is well into the second phase of the contract period. The spectacular design is providing a whole new landscape and horizon for the city and for travelers along the New England Highway. It is set to be an new icon for the city and a landmark of substantial importance. It will be an events centre unrivalled in Australia for its size and unique appearance.
We believe it will become to Tamworth and this council region what coal has become to Newcastle. A comprehensive consultation and research background, where industry has had significant input, has given us a design that has to be workable, flexible, contemporary but with the scope to grow with the times, and is functional for competitors, users and spectators.
We have married modern animal welfare standards with environmental responsibilities and the latest design and architectural techniques.
An interim website: www.aelec.com.au has been developed to keep the world up to date with what’s happening at the Australian Equine and Livestock Events Centre. Additional details about bookings and event information will be made available soon.
Click here to view more information on Australian Equine, Livestock & Events Centre
