Uralla’s Visitor Information Centre improvement project kicks off
Published on 02 February 2021
Construction is underway at the Uralla Visitor Information Centre, made possible by NSW State and Australian Federal Government grant funding.
Uralla Shire Mayor, Cr Michael Pearce and Uralla Shire Council General Manager Kate Jessep joined the State Member for the Northern Tablelands, the Hon Adam Marshall, and the Federal Member for New England, the Hon Barnaby Joyce, on Thursday, 27 January 2021 to announce the commencement of the project.
The Uralla Visitor Information Centre (VIC) improvement project is jointly funded by both NSW State Government and Australian Federal Government funding streams, with a commitment from the NSW State Government’s Drought Stimulus Package of $400,000 and funding of $100,000 provided by the Federal Government’s Drought Communities Extension Programme.
The scope of works for the Uralla VIC improvement project includes internal and external renovations, installation of a pergola, and landscaping works.
Mayor Pearce said the improvement project would increase visitor traffic by boosting the Uralla VIC’s presence on Uralla’s Bridge Street and provide additional services to the Uralla Shire tourism industry.
“The VIC improvement project will boost our visitor services to the Uralla Shire by providing an attractive centre and increased services for visitors to the Shire,” Mayor Pearce said.
“Council has put in a lot of planning on this project and has worked with the community to fine-tune the project scope to deliver a great outcome for the Uralla Shire community, and we are pleased to see the project come to fruition.”
“The VIC improvement project was made possible by funding contributions from the State and Federal Governments, and we thank the State and Federal Governments for providing the funding for the project.”
“We’d also like to take this opportunity to thank the Hon Adam Marshall and the Hon Barnaby Joyce for their continued support and advocating the needs of the Uralla Shire.”
Member for Northern Tablelands Mr Adam Marshall said the Uralla VIC plays an important role in promoting sites and activities across the entire New England and the redevelopment will increase the VIC’s visibility.
“Uralla is the first town travellers from the south arrive in after climbing the Moonbi Range, and as such really is the ‘Southern Gateway to the New England.’”
“This is an exciting development, which I think will greatly increase the number of people stopping into the visitor centre and choosing to stay and make the most of Uralla’s hospitality,” Mr Marshall said.
Federal Member for New England Barnaby Joyce commended Council on its proactive approach toward tourism engagement in Uralla.
“Visitors arrive from far and wide to experience our incredibly rich New England region and to greet them in a vibrant, modern information centre such as this will no doubt prove to be a great asset for Uralla,” Mr Joyce said.
Internal works under the VIC improvement project consist of integrating existing vacant space into the visitor services area and refreshing the interior by removing unnecessary internal walls. These works will also provide a flexible space which can accommodate additional retail, promotional displays and activities.
The VIC’s kitchen facilities will also get an upgrade to provide a more attractive rental space for casual pop up retail operators or other promotional activities.
External works of the project will refresh the exterior appearance of the building and improve the VIC’s connection to the adjacent Porter Park and the Uralla Library. The grounds of the VIC will also get an upgrade with the installation of a pergola, landscaping works, and interpretive signage in a native plant garden.
Pending no unforeseen delays, the VIC improvement project is estimated to be completed by April 2021.
For media enquiries, please contact:
Uralla Shire Council
council@uralla.nsw.gov.au | 02 6778 6300