The C.B. Newling building at Armidale, known locally as the Old Armidale Teachers' College, will become one of four new Department of Regional NSW hubs and will house up to 100 new jobs in the New England region.
Deputy Premier John Barilaro visited Armidale today and announced $2 million for initial works to establish the state Heritage-listed building as one of DRNSW's four regional locations.
"It's essential that the people who work to support regional NSW are living and working in the communities they serve, making connections with locals, experiencing life in the regions and becoming fully immersed in the community," Mr Barilaro said.
"Why sit in an office in the city, day in and day out, when you can live and work in our beautiful regional towns, enjoying all the benefits that come with country living. This office will also provide job opportunities for locals, enabling people to stay in their hometown and injecting money into the local economy.
"This is about building a stronger and safer regional NSW and by establishing office hubs, creating jobs and providing tailored government support we are doing exactly that."
Minister for Education Sarah Mitchell said the decision means the historic Old Teachers' College will receive modern amenity upgrades while also ensuring it is preserved for future generations.
"The old college is an incredible building of historic significance. It's fantastic it will now begin a new chapter as a hub for regional NSW bringing more jobs to the area," Ms Mitchell said.
Member for Northern Tablelands Adam Marshall welcomed the announcement, after strongly advocating for the Old Teachers' College to become the department's new home and said the location will provide plenty of office space, good access and great digital connectivity.
"Armidale's business community has been buzzing since the department was formed and today's announcement will give the region even more confidence that the NSW Government will deliver the services and infrastructure that we need," Mr Marshall said.
The Armidale hub will become one of four new DRNSW offices, alongside Queanbeyan, Dubbo and Coffs Harbour.
