A meeting of the Tamworth University Reference Group today heard that the University for Tamworth was on track.

The land and funding has been locked away and UNE Director of Regional Development David Miron said good progress was being made with the next steps being that the architect was about to be signed up with the plans due for release later this year.

“Community and user groups will be consulted on the design of the building and then the tender process will begin for the builder later this year,” Mr Miron said.

“Construction will begin in May 2024 and will take 16 months to build.

“In the meantime, the Peel house UNE study centre in Fitzroy Street Tamworth will continue to operate.

“The University is currently in consultation about the various courses that will be run.”

Mitch Hanlon from the Reference group said the project was a key enabler for our young people and our businesses.

“We cannot progress as a region until we get this important piece of social infrastructure up and running,” Mr Hanlon said.

“We have friends with students in year 9 whose parents are asking can my child attend UNE Tamworth and the answer is yes they will.”

Member for Tamworth Kevin Anderson said this is fantastic news to know this project is still on track and behind the scenes so much has been accomplished.

“This is an exciting project for our region, and we look forward the opportunities that it will bring,” He said.