Armidale Overview

Armidale, set in the heart of the New England high country, is the major educational, commercial, retail, and cultural centre for a greater regional population of close to 80,000 people. Located mid-way between Brisbane and Sydney on the on the top of the Great Dividing Range on the New England Hwy. Armidale’s proximity and accessibility to a range of industry and resources has inspired the emergence of a manufacturing base and a growing transport, warehousing and storage sector.
 

The region has one of the strongest economies in regional New South Wales, well-known as a research and education hub and is one of its top agricultural producing regions, providing one-quarter of the State’s agricultural output. The region also has an emerging manufacturing sector based on ‘high-value’ animal health and agricultural activities and a growing transport, warehousing and storage sector in response to the growing importance of ‘accessibility’ to a range of industries. 
 

It enjoys annual tourism visitation of more than 600,000 people, and has a commercial population catchment of approximately 300,000 people residing within two and a half hours drive from the city. Importantly, it has one of the fastest growing populations in regional NSW and is predicted to grow at more than one percent per annum over the next twenty years – the highest compared to other reputable cities in the North West region.
 

Armidale has a thriving small business sector and the city boasts a highly diverse industry base and a variety of well-established key employment divisions. Around 2937 local businesses in the Armidale region contribute to a gross regional product valued at $1.54 billion (2019) and tourism continues to play an important role as an economic driver, with the New England North West accounting for 1.5 million domestic overnight stays, contributing $532 million to the local economy.
 

Recent and current projects - Armidale Region:

• Water Security for Guyra - Malpas Dam Pipeline - $12.37m
• Saumarez Homestead Development ($2.7m)
• Costa Tomatoes Glasshouse expansion ($65m+). One of Australia’s and the Southern Hemisphere’s largest and most advanced glasshouse facilities producing 14 million kilograms of tomatoes per year.
• Armidale Regional Airport terminal upgrade and expansion ($9m+)
• Airport apron expansion and upgrade ($3m+)
• New Aged Care Facility, (Kolora) Guyra ($7m+)
• Armidale is fully fibred to the premises – the only city to have FIBRE to the PREMISE
• Development of Armidale Hospital ($60m+)
• Tablelands Clinical Education Centre ($10m+) a teaching facility providing closer ties between the medical profession and future health professionals
• New College at the University of New England ($20m)
• TAFE Digital Headquarters ( $6m)
• UNE Kirby Farm – SMART Farm Innovation Centre ($2m)
• Australian Pesticides & Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) moves to Armidale
• New state of the art 1500 student Future School ($65m)

Armidale Airside Business Park

Armidale Airside Business Park is a newly established subdivision located on the New England Highway, developed to meet growing demand.
 

Strategically positioned to be well connected to quality transport infrastructure, the precinct offers easy access to air, rail and road transport links. It provides cost-effective pathways and logistics for businesses to access domestic and international markets.

The premium airside fully serviced and NBN ready lots offer flexible sizes, B-Double access and are competitively priced. It’s very attractive commercial property, zoned light industrial (IN2), enticing new industry to the region.
 

Stage 2 of the development encompasses 35 uniquely located airside lots with access approaches to an aircraft taxiway that will cater for aviation related businesses. A new airport runway has been earmarked to cater for larger passenger and freight aircraft numbers and provide enhanced access to national and international markets.
 

Airport 

Armidale Regional Airport is situated just seven kilometres from the city centre and has over 240,000 visitors per year. Almost 100 direct flights connect Armidale and Sydney each week, and 12 between Armidale and Brisbane. Flight duration is just 1 hour for inbound and outbound visits for these locations, with onward connections to Asia, North America, Europe and throughout Australia.
 

Armidale Airport is equipped with contemporary check-in and baggage handling facilities and accommodates food and beverage and retail services. Convenience goods are available on location and ample parking, green spaces and common areas are positioned on site for visitors and surrounding businesses.
 

The airport is home to various aviation businesses including Fleet Helicopters, Super-Air, Edwards Aviation VIP Jet Charter, Go Fly, Armidale Aero Club and others. Future airport runway upgrades have been earmarked to cater for larger passenger and freight aircraft which will provide enhanced access to domestic and global markets.

Eduction
Armidale’s excellence in education, from pre-school to PhD, is well recognised. It is home to the University of New England, which has a well-earned reputation as one of Australia’s great teaching, training and research universities. Three private boarding schools including New England Girls School (NEGS), Presbyterian Ladies College, (PLC) and The Armidale School (TAS), complimented by O’Connor Catholic College and the Armidale Secondary College (ASC) which recently underwent a $65 million upgrade, the largest State funded investment in public school refurbishment in recent history, further cement Armidale’s reputation as one of Australia’s leading regional education centres. 

Armidale is also home to TAFE New England – the new headquarters for TAFE NSW Digital. With confident growth forecasts and a vibrant economy, Armidale is a fantastic Region to settle and raise your family. Within easy commuting distance to two of Australia’s largest capital cities, you can immersing yourselves in nature and a pristine living environment. Locating here will benefit your business, your staff and it will send a good message to your customers. Importantly, it will give you more time to enjoy more of the good things in life.


Health
Armidale offers some of Australia’s leading health services. The region benefits from access to five major medical facilities, including the Armidale Rural Referral Hospital which recently saw a $60 million redevelopment. The modern facilities provide for all types of medical services including surgery, obstetrics, oncology, paediatrics, geriatrics and accident and emergency as well as outpatient clinics. Ancillary services include radiology, pathology, occupational therapy and speech therapy, social work, physiotherapy and pharmacy. More than 30 resident GPs and specialist physicians support the wellbeing of our community, in addition to a range of alternative therapy practitioners.