Regional hotelier Greg Maguire’s Powerhouse Tamworth by Rydges has become the region’s first 5-star property following the completion of a multi-million dollar renovation, HM can exclusively reveal today.
The popular owner’s Powerhouse Hotels Group enlisted Paul Kelly Design and the Reward Group for the major makeover, which over the course of three years has seen the public areas, restaurant, bar, guest rooms and conference and event spaces completely reimagined.
Maguire said the Powerhouse Tamworth by Rydges now offers a “new level of sophisticated luxury” and delivers the New England region of New South Wales its first 5-star hotel property.
The completion of renovations also marks the launch of 20 brand-new luxe serviced apartments, a mix of one and two bedroom options and a three bedroom villa.
The apartments complement the property’s 61 newly refurbished rooms and suites which feature bespoke leather bedheads, marble bedside tables and bathrooms, high-speed free WiFi, 60-inch 4K smart TVs on an acoustic wave wall, wireless mobile chargers, multiple USB ports and ‘sink in’ pillow top King Beds.
Maguire said Powerhouse Tamworth has a long and proud history supporting regional Australian travel and delivering exceptional service and quality.
He said the redevelopment stayed true to this with the brief focused on “creating a luxurious, contemporary haven for Tamworth as a strong industrial and tourism centre, while supporting local business and sourcing furniture and workmanship locally wherever possible”.
“This project is an investment in the future of Tamworth,” he said. “It has been a substantial project, but could not have been finalised at a more opportune time.
“I am proud to have been able to up the ante of our own hotel accommodation experience, providing a luxury stop in country NSW for guests, particularly at a time when the appetite for regional travel is strong as Australians are wanting to explore more of their broader backyard.
“We are looking to lure more visitors to Tamworth, to show them how incredible the region is and what country hospitality is all about.
“We’ve taken the beauty and history of our New England region, the nostalgia of the roadside motel and elevated it to a new level.
“When guests visit us, they will find a level of sophistication throughout that offers a true escape, and a sense of comfort and luxury more commonly associated with urban hotels around the world,” he said.
Maguire said the creative work by Paul Kelly of Paul Kelly Design was outstanding.
“Paul is fervent, fearless and passionate about his design projects, and we knew we could trust the process with him at the helm,” he said.
“His attention to detail in the fit-out has been second to none, using Australian and local materials and workmanship wherever was possible.”
Kelly said the Powerhouse Tamworth was an exciting project to work on.
“We knew that Powerhouse Tamworth had an incredible reputation, though it was time to amplify its aesthetic and take the concept of a regional hotel to a whole new level,” he said.
“The hotel’s location on the original electrical powerhouse site for Tamworth was a huge inspiration – so the design of the hotel and its spaces is inspired by this; a celebration of Tamworth’s history as the first Australian city of light, and a sophisticated new look to cement the direction of where Tamworth is going as an impressive business and tourism hub in country NSW.”
Event Hospitality & Entertainment’s Director of Hotels and Resorts, Norman Arundel, said the chain was thrilled to have another high-quality offering in Regional New South Wales.
“The completion of the renovations reflects the passion Greg Maguire and his team have for Tamworth and New England and comes on the back of more than 40 years of business,” he said.
“The introduction of a premium accommodation option like the Powerhouse Tamworth, will play a pivotal role in helping to position Tamworth as a year-round destination, with a thriving regional city and so much to offer travellers, and we look forward to working with the local team to keep Tamworth top of mind with travellers.”
Powerhouse Tamworth by Rydges has an enviable location in the heart of the city and out the front of the property, lies an obelisk, erected to recognise Tamworth as the first town in Australia and the southern hemisphere to provide its residents with electric street lighting in 1888.
The hotel was built on the original power station or ‘powerhouse’ site and along with its accommodation, Powerhouse Hotel Tamworth by Rydges incorporates the iconic regional dining establishment, The Workshop Kitchen, which features 800 bottles of wine encased in a beautifully detailed wall, an elaborate open kitchen and subtle classic design detailing with leather banquette joinery, marble and bespoke cabinetry.
It is renowned for its wood-fired grill, stand-out local steaks and two-glass rated wine list, and sits alongside the classy-cool Coal Bunker Bar with brass and timber elements and deep aqua hued velvet soft furnishings.
The hotel also offers room service, six contemporary venue spaces for corporate and social events as well as a gym, outdoor pool, spa, BBQ area, sauna and guest laundry. The hotel also offers two Tesla Destination Charging stations and limousine transfer services to the airport, located 10 minutes away.
Maguire’s Powerhouse Group injects AU$8 million annually into the local New England economy through employment, tourism and supporting local suppliers.
The two hotel properties in Tamworth and Armidale employ 125 full time and casual staff and support more than 170 local businesses such as Antilles Coffee and Jack’s Creek Beef.