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Economic development

With significant growth in many sectors of the city, Armidale is undergoing a revival as a regional economic force.  The recently completed review of the Local Environmental Plan (LEP) has included provision for future growth and development in residential, commercial and industrial areas, incorporating expansion of rural residential subdivisions popular for couples with young families.  Land has been earmarked for development as an industrial estate, giving Armidale the potential to attract more industry to the area.

In the last five years, the city enjoyed significant economic growth, including the construction of the largest Coles Supermarket complex in NSW, with another 2 new retail shopping centre developments approved (valued at approximately $49M and $17M).  Situated in the heart of the CBD, the first development currently under construction incorporates Woolworths and Big W retail stores and another 30 specialty shops.  The second is the major refurbishment of Armidale Plaza consolidating and expanding an existing shopping centre site which includes Kmart, Target Country and Bi-Lo and new specialty stores. A new police station ($9 million) and extensions to TAFE ($4.5 million) are under way. The “Mews on Moore” development ($3M) has introduced city apartment living, complemented with further works planned including an $8 million upmarket senior living development and new nursing home creating a vibrant living heart for our community.

Council can offer advice on development proposals; and can offer a flexible array of economic development incentives and Council’s Economic Development Committee is currently formulating a priority list for industries / projects identified as having the potential for significant growth in the region.  The food and wine tourism sector as well as the development of the professional business sector is considered of major importance.  Headwork charges and car parking contributions have been reduced to stimulate investment in new residential and commercial proposals, and has been a factor in the approval of a massive $53M worth of development in recent months.

The Economic Development Committee recently undertook a branding project and adopted “Thrive in Armidale” as the brand.  The rollout of this brand to all businesses in the area has been highly successful, and will continue to be employed as a marketing tool for the city in all industry spheres.

Armidale’s profile in tourism and as a conference destination is experiencing considerable growth. There are currently plans under development to establish the longest walking track in eastern Australia, travelling along some of the most breathtaking gorge country, from Walcha to the south of Armidale on the Northern Tablelands to Coffs Harbour on the north coast.  This track will present a world-class environmental attraction, which has no parallel in the international tourism market. 

The city can boast a significant number of health and wellbeing enterprises, mainstream and alternate, set to increase with the implementation of a health strategy funded by the Economic Development Committee, to enhance and extend this increasingly popular range of health opportunities.

Armidale Dumaresq Council - Economic Development Unit

Armidale Dumaresq Council’s (ADC) Economic Development (ED) Office should be your first point of contact.  The Economic Development Manager together with Council’s General Manager is responsible for all economic development strategies and projects including facilitating industry involvement and attracting new opportunities and programs.

ADC’s Economic Development and Incentive Policy (POL001*- Corporate) provides economic and administrative incentives for viable industries to establish or expand in Armidale.  It ensures that Council plays an active part in economic and employment development by agreeing to act as a stimulator for business creation and expansion.  It enables Council to draw on a range of economic incentives appropriate to any proposal that will benefit the business activity directly.

• Economic development
  • DSRD
  • Small business

Courtesy Tourism New South Wales

Courtesy Tourism New South Wales

Courtesy Tourism New South Wales

Courtesy Tourism New South Wales

Courtesy Tourism New South Wales

Courtesy Tourism New South Wales

Courtesy Tourism New South Wales

Courtesy Tourism New South Wales