A multi-purpose hall will be the final building to complete the new school, which was officially opened at the beginning of this year by Premier Gladys Berejiklian.

Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall last week joined acting principal Bree Harvey-Bice and lead contractor Richard Crookes Construction to turn the first ceremonial sod of soil on the $10.4 million hall.

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After the meger of Armidale and Duval high schools was announced, a performing arts centre, which would service the wider community was included in the plans.

In 2017, Armidale Regional Council pledged to provide $1 million over three years, towards a 1000-seat performing arts centre to be constructed on school grounds.

But when the first sod was turned on the school's construction in 2019, the plans did not include the large entertainment facility.

Mayor Ian Tiley, who had been the council administrator when the $1 million committment was made, later explained the council stipulated the funding would only be paid if the centre had seating for 1000, could be used by the community and if the community had input into its design.

When none of these terms were reached, the council dropped the funding.

In June this year, funding for a multi-purpose hall at Armidale Secondary College was included in the state budget.

When its complete, the new standalone building will bring performing arts and sport together under one roof, with stage and seating for performances, a green room, two indoor basketball courts, a fitness and movement studio and two general learning spaces.

"This is an important project, not just for the school, but for the wider Armidale community," Mr Marshall said.

"(It gives) the school community a central place to gather and celebrate the school's achievements."

He said the hall, which is being built next to the new car park at the south of the school site, was expected to be complete by the middle of next year.

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"The new school facilities are absolutely incredible and the new hall will complete this chapter of historic investment in Armidale's public school infrastructure."

Mr Marshall said there has been a heightened effort to hire local sub-contractors as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak in Sydney.

"So far upward of 60 per cent of tradespeople engaged to work on the build are businesses from the New England North West," he said.

"There will be around 400 individual tradies working across the duration of construction.

"The building site is cordoned off from the rest of the campus, allowing it to proceed under the level 3 return to school restrictions."

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