In a first for Tamworth, a local developer has sidestepped Tamworth Regional Council’s (TRC) normal green space requirements and built something far grander.

Under TRC regulations, developers must make a $1400 per block or land contribution to help council establish recreation areas in new developments.

But rather than go the conventional route, Single Builders director Mark Single has opted to develop his own parkland, a sprawling $400,000, 1.8 hectare park at Calala’s Redbank Estate.

More than 17,000 metres of turf was laid this week and the project is expected to be complete by early next year, a much faster result than council could have achieved, according to TRC mayor Col Murray.

“The private sector is more innovative and can do this quicker than council so it’s a great result for the community,” Cr Murray said.

“There’s no additional cost to council or the ratepayer and we’re seeing a top class park develop from one of Tamworth’s staunchest corporate citizens.

“In the past, developers have dedicated certain blocks of land to council for recreational areas and it’s just not good town planning.”

Mr Single said the park provided a “win-win” for residents and ratepayers.

“Previously, we would pay council a contribution and nothing would happen, it would go into a parks and gardens fund,” he said.

“When the subdivision was finished, they would do something then.

“But this way, residents get the advantage of the park up front.

“We’ve spent more money here than we would have to with the council contributions but I think it’s worth it.”

Stage three of 12 at Redback Estate has recently been released.