Our historic premises, originally built as a convent, reflect a rich history and architectural significance. Designed to house nuns on the ground and first floors, with a dormitory for boarders on the top floor, the building remains a cherished part of Tamworth’s heritage.
In 1876, four Irish nuns, led by Rev. Fr. Michael Foran, travelled from Maitland to establish a teaching order in Tamworth. Initially, the transept of St Nicholas’ Church served as their classroom. Construction of the Dominican Convent Building began in 1880 and was completed in 1882. The three-story structure, built in a free Gothic style, features exposed variegated brick laid in English Bond. Its balconies boast cast iron columns, bent timber brackets forming pointed arches, and intricately crafted timber spandrel infills, giving the building a strong ecclesiastical character.
The convent expanded in 1903-04, adding a chapel commemorating Mother Mary Regis's golden jubilee, the first Mother Superior. The school grew significantly, eventually occupying the entire site now home to the K-Mart complex, except for a small parcel of land at Peel and White Streets.
After the school closed in the 1970s, the convent fell into disrepair, and plans were made to demolish it for redevelopment. Recognising its historical value, a group of concerned citizens initiated efforts to save the building. The National Trust classified the site, and the Heritage Council of NSW imposed a Conservation Order, describing the complex as “magnificent.” This ensured its preservation, and ownership was transferred to the Minister for Planning and Environment.
In 1980, a feasibility study was undertaken, proposing adaptive reuse of the building. Restoration plans included spaces for the Tamworth Office of the Public Works Department, the Tamworth Regional Music Centre, and the Tamworth Art & Craft Society. The Public Works Department led the restoration, which involved intricate craftsmanship to replicate timber mouldings, stencilled wall designs, and original colour schemes. The external façade was cleaned, and painted surfaces were repaired and restored. The project, completed for $620,000, preserved the building’s historic charm while adapting it for modern use.
In 1993, the Public Works Department vacated the building, and ownership transferred to the University of New England. The Tamworth Regional Conservatorium of Music became the primary tenant, leasing the building for a peppercorn rent while assuming responsibility for its maintenance.
Over the years, the Conservatorium has undertaken extensive preservation efforts. In 2003-2004, the stained glass windows of the chapel were carefully restored, with broken panes replaced and re-leaded. The chapel roof was refurbished, and the exterior was repainted. In 2007, the chapel underwent further renovations, including relocating the stage, upgrading lighting, and installing new seating and a grand piano, enhancing its function as a performance space.
Today, the Conservatorium stands as a testament to the successful rehabilitation of a threatened heritage building. It serves as a vital cultural and educational hub for Tamworth and the wider region, celebrating its history while continuing to inspire through music and the arts. The building’s legacy reflects the power of community advocacy, the value of heritage preservation, and the enduring spirit of Tamworth.