In June, Tamworth councillors rubber-stamped a long-term masterplan for the Longyard area, including a new regional stadium, aquatic centre, synthetic pitches and player accommodation.

The precinct is being billed as a "mini-Australian Institute of Sport", a centre of excellence that would be the headquarters for a raft of northern inland sporting bodies.

A number of organisations, including Cricket NSW, Hockey NSW, Basketball NSW and Equestrian NSW, have already given in- principle support for the concept.

Tamworth Regional Council's sport venues and development manager Simon Haire said the plan would help consolidate the city's reputation as a sporting capital. "We've already got great facilities out there, this is just having a look at how we can build on that," Mr Haire said.

"This is not just about Tamworth, it's about the entire northern inland.

"We want to partner with state sporting organisations and encourage them to set up their northern inland administration office here, and host training camps and events here." The centrepiece of the precinct would be a large regional stadium, across the road from the netball courts, able to cater for concerts and high-level matches across a range of sports.

An aquatic centre, focused on hydrotherapy, is also earmarked for the precinct, as is dormitory-style accommodation for visiting players and two new synthetic fields.

Mr Haire warned a stadium could be more than a decade away.

Central North Cricket chairman Terry Psarakis said the project would dramatically alter the city's sporting landscape.

"I'm definitely a supporter and it's long overdue," Mr Psarakis said.

"It's good that council recognises how important sport is to the town.

n To view the Centre of Excellence and give feedback to council, visit www.tamworth.ourcommunitymap. com/tris