Tamworth Regional Aquatic and Sports Centre

The Tamworth Regional Aquatic and Sports Centre is a proposed multi-purpose facility, designed to improve accessibility and attract major aquatic events. Ethos Urban’s Social Impact Assessment identified key strategies to maximise social benefits while addressing accessibility, affordability and cultural inclusion.

The Tamworth Regional Aquatic and Sports Centre is a new facility proposed to be located within the Tamworth Sports and Entertainment Precinct, co-located near to other sport and recreation. The Centre was planned to overcome constraints of accessibility to current swimming facilities and to also provide a Regional, high-profile facility that can attract Regional, State and National aquatic events and also provide allied health opportunities such as elite athletic recovery and injury rehabilitation. The Centre will also cater for community functions, events and social connection.

The Social Impact Assessment (SIA) undertaken by Ethos Urban identified the social benefits and impacts of the proposal and provided a set of recommendations to enhance and mitigate social impacts.

One of the key social impacts which was raised by community members during Council led consultation for the project was the loss of place and nostalgia values of the existing aquatic facilities. Strategies to preserve aspects of the history of the existing centers will be incorporated in the design of the new facility.  

The SIA also included recommendations around enhancing accessibility, culturally responsive staff training, appropriately translated signage, maintaining different price options for entry (for example staff and senior rates), preservation of community values and implementing a strategy to employ members of the local community, including a focus on vulnerable communities.

By integrating evidence-based recommendations, the Centre will support a diverse range of community needs while maintaining connections to Tamworth’s history. Through thoughtful design and inclusive strategies, it will serve as both a premier sporting venue and a socially connected space for the region.