Tamworth council donates velodrome for UNE campus if it gets funding

The Leader can reveal Tamworth Regional Council has offered the Peel Street site, which is estimated to be worth up to $3 million, as it’s contribution to the multi-million dollar project.

The revelation comes as council, the state government and the University of New England all look to the federal government to fund part of the multi-million dollar development.

At the council meeting on June 12, 2018, Tamworth councillors agreed to “provide in principle support to the proposed development on Part Lot 73 in DP1107041”. 

A search of land titles reveals the lot to be the old velodrome site.

At the same meeting, mayor Col Murray had a mayoral minute about the development of the velodrome deferred to the closed section of the meeting.

Council is bound by a confidentiality agreement and cannot comment.

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While unable to say anything in relation to the velodrome site, Cr Murray said council had a very encouraging meeting with New England MP Barnaby Joyce this week.

“He is very supportive of the concept and is doing the hard yards get the federal funding the university campus will need to get across the line,” Cr Murray said.

Tamworth businessman Mitch Hanlon has been a driving force behind the project and backed the site as the right location.

“By placing it in the CBD, it integrates uni campus with the commercial life of Tamworth, and it’s got the added benefit of urban regeneration,” he said.

While he was pleased with the campaign’s progress, he warned the community not to be complacent.

“This is not a done deal yet,” Mr Hanlon said.

“I won’t feel relaxed until the funding has been locked in. It’s critically important that we have large numbers attend the community meeting on Wednesday.

“The decision makers need to see a good turn out and hear everyone’s voice in favour of the university.”

A community meeting about the campaign will be held on February 13, at West Leagues Club in the Ken Chillingworth room from 6pm.

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