Deputy premier John Barilaro joined Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall to hand over a cheque for $1.77 million for the historic homestead on Monday.

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“This is the most exciting tourism project our region has seen in decades,” Mr Marshall said.

“The Saumarez Homestead is synonymous with Armidale and this project will offer something truly unique to regional visitors.

“The expansion of Saumarez Homestead is expected to create 16 new jobs and inject in an additional $6.5 million tourist dollars into the Armidale region.

“This project has the potential to turn this unique National Trust property into a state and nationally-significant tourist attraction.”

The government contribution would be matched with $730,000 from Armidale Regional Council and $200,000 from the National Trust, allowing the $2.7 million project to get underway immediately.

The major upgrade works will see 10 heritage style cabins built onsite and additional accommodation space built near the old coach house.

Saumarez Homestead manager Les Davis said the homestead had people at the “ready” for when the accommodation was completed.

“With this grant, we will be able to do the entire project scoped,” Mr Davis said. 

“We’ve done the numbers and we should to go from 10,000 to 35,000 visitors per year.”