It's been more than a decade in the making, and now the Armidale Airside Business Park is officially ready for take-off.
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On Thursday the $6.5-million project was launched, marking the start of a new era of economic growth for the Armidale region.
Armidale Regional Council's Interim Administrator Viv May said it will be a huge boost to the region.
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"This project will bring more than 200 new jobs to the city, and will establish Armidale as an innovative, industrial hub," he said.
The project, which is jointly funded by Armidale Regional Council and the NSW Government, consists of 59 lots, with the first stage of the sub-division now for sale.
"Stage one consists of 24 fully serviced and NBN ready lots that range from 1500 to 25,000 square meters in size, and have been developed for commercial, industrial and air business use," said Mr May.
"This will attract a vast array of different industries to the city, and the flow on effects to the economy and local businesses are sorely needed following a tough few years of drought, and now the COVID-19 pandemic."
The park will become home to industries such as agriculture technology manufacturing, food production and packaging, warehousing, and airport terminal related services.
Mr May said Armidale has never seen a project of this scale, and it plays a key part in the council's economic development strategy.
"The size and capabilities of this business park along with its proximity to the airport and New England Highway has the potential to attract large, well-known businesses to Armidale, which not only puts the city on the map, but secures our economic future for decades to come," Mr May said.
Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall said Armidale Airside was bound to transform the business ecosystem in the Armidale region.
"The precinct will drive economic growth and compliment Armidale's economic strengths in education, agriculture and health."
"The accessibility to major regional centres and a balance lifestyle are major draw cards for businesses looking to invest in the region," said Mr Marshall.
Mr Marshall said with the completion of Stage 1, Armidale had booked itself a one way ticket to destination jobs and economic growth and prosperity.
"With more than 200 new jobs set to be created through the park's development, this is the biggest employment creation project Armidale has seen for decades," Mr Marshall said.
"This is the first foundation stone of the economic renaissance this region will enjoy, if it's bold and untied enough to grasp it.
"The new business park will pave the way for Armidale to reach its full economic potential, to support and grow existing general aviation and aviation related business activity in the region as well offering space to develop freight services and white collar office space.