THE University of New England’s plans for a new Tamworth campus have reached a significant milestone with the announcement of the successful company appointed to construct the project.
After a competitive tender process, Central Coast-based construction firm North Construction and Building Pty Ltd will build the campus at the old velodrome site on Tamworth’s Peel Street.
The contract of sale for the land was signed by UNE and Tamworth Regional Council last week, paving the way for building works to commence in early 2026.
The construction of UNE Tamworth Central is possible thanks to $26.6 million from the NSW Government and contributions by UNE, TRC and the Federal Government through the Job Ready Graduates program.
Minister for Regional NSW Tara Moriarty said it’s exciting to see the Tamworth Campus project progressing.
“Once completed the campus will give local students an opportunity to study closer to home, creating pathways from secondary to tertiary education, and eventually employment,” Ms Moriarty said.
“It will also be a drawcard for students from outside the area to come study, explore and live in Tamworth to enjoy the regional NSW lifestyle while boosting the local economy.”
John Melvin, CEO of North Construction and Building said North are grateful to be the trusted building partner engaged to join the team delivering UNE’s Tamworth Central project.
“It’s a major milestone not just for UNE Tamworth, but for the entire Tamworth region. At North, we’re proud to be working alongside UNE, Touchstone Partners, Architectus, and so many committed stakeholders,” Mr Melvin said.
“The dedication to progress this project to this point has been remarkable, and we’re excited to continue building in partnership with the local community, creating something meaningful and lasting together.”
UNE Vice Chancellor and CEO, Professor Chris Moran, said the announcement is positive news for the university and the Tamworth community.
“The appointment of North Construction to the new Tamworth Campus demonstrates UNE’s continued investment in and commitment to the Tamworth regional community,” Prof Moran said.
“We look forward to keeping the community informed of the construction progress and I am sure it will be a sight to behold for many who commute in and around the Tamworth CBD.”
In 2023, award-winning architectural firm Architectus was appointed to lead the design of the Tamworth Central Campus and the project was approved by the Northern Joint Regional Planning Panel in December, 2024.
Tamworth mayor, Russell Webb, said it was pleasing to hear Tamworth’s own university campus had progressed to appointing a lead contractor, after almost a decade of planning.
“This milestone is fantastic because it tells the community this is happening. This is the real deal – we are getting a university campus here in Peel Street,” Cr Webb said.
“As we look to the construction phase of this project and ahead to the future, the UNE Campus will contribute to our region’s local economy for many years to come and we look forward to seeing the progress.”
Professor Moran said UNE is continuing to scale-up its academic and professional staffing cohort in Tamworth and current students will start to see further student support in the coming months.
“We look forward to increasing our capacity on the ground in Tamworth in the lead-up to our campus’ scheduled opening in 2027,” he said.
