Its recent history has been troubled, however the new owners behind the old Tamworth Workman's Club tout their commitment to unleash the building's "untapped potential".
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
or signup to continue reading
The Development Application for internal work is currently before Tamworth Regional Council awaiting a yay or nay.
However Skagias Pty Ltd owners said with significant prebuild works already approved and completed, they're not walking away lightly.
"We want the people of Tamworth to know that we are all in with this development," Nick Skagias said, one brother of the two behind the build.
The estimated "shot in the arm" for Tamworth will be in the "millions" once their grand vision is finished.
This is the building's third purchase in 20 years.
In January 2000, the building was sold for $750,000, and again in 2002 for $1.7 million, according to realestate.com data.
"It's relatively central as well with Sydney and Brisbane, so we hope this investment will help make Tamworth a big growth centre, a new hub to bring business together in one building.
- Nick Skagias
They've already stripped the interior and left a soft shell ready to be divided.
However the vision of brothers Nick and Angelo Skagias goes much further than just a renovation job.
"We have a long plan to put an additional 6000 square metres of office space above the existing carpark," Nick told the Leader.
"Moving forward there will be a DA going in for three additional levels of 2000 square metres of floor plates, Nick explained.
Mr Skagias outlined their final vision to the Leader as it becoming an "A-grade" office accommodation mixed alongside retail outlets.
The Sydney-based company has built and remodelled similar buildings across Campbelltown, Muswellbrook and Dubbo.
He said they were in projects like Tamworth's for the long haul, not developing and running, but rather taking pride in giving local history a new lease of life.
"Tamworth had been on our radar for a few years, but we were just waiting for the right opportunity and the right location," Mr Skagias explained.
READ ALSO
"A building like this is unique, in that you also have to have vision. We've been planning for six months with the architects to come up with a design that respects the history."
The recent announcements of a university campus slotted for the city as well as major projects, like Dungowan Dam, they said it was clear to them Tamworth was set to expand even further to become a true regional hub. Even alongside council's Blueprint 100 plans.
"It's relatively central as well with Sydney and Brisbane, so we hope this investment will help make Tamworth a big growth centre, a new hub to bring business together in one building."
Proud of the fact they've engaged with Tamworth based companies for preliminary works, he said from the moment the works began to when it is eventually complete - with approval - the development could be a "massive shot in the arm" for the region.
