Three trailblazers walk into a bar… The Story of the Welder’s Dog Brewery and Entertainment Centre
As Armidale Regional Council works to grow a sustainable future for the burgeoning regional community, they look to trailblazers like The Welder’s Dog team to help lead the way. Here, FOUND Regional chats with Mayor Sam Coupland and Welder’s founders Tom Croft and Dan Emery on the launch of their newest venue, The Welder’s Dog Brewery and Entertainment Centre.
Tom Croft on swinging the doors open to their new Brewery and Entertainment Centre.
“It’s been a huge relief to get open. While we’ve got plenty more work to do, this is stage one for us and it’s off to a great start. We want to see how the place works for people and different forms of live music we plan to host. We're testing the layout, the acoustics, the sound equipment and the stage set-up – none of this is an exact science. People have been overwhelmingly supportive and certainly seem to be enjoying it. Our goal is to continually refine our offering and build on what the space can deliver.”
Mayor Sam Coupland on how the new venue will support the town’s long-term goals for growth.
“We’re on an aggressive trajectory to add another 10,000 people to Armidale’s population – then ultimately take that to another 20,000 people. We have to get to a size where we can stand on our own two feet. The key to that is jobs, but equally important is amenities. We need to be a place where people want to live – that means having a vibrant heart. This latest development from The Welder’s Dog guys certainly ticks that box. The area they’re in, around the corner of Marsh and Beardy Street, is set to become Armidale’s entertainment precinct – and The Welder’s Dog Brewery and Entertainment Centre is the anchor for that.”
Dan Emery on working with the council on the new development.
“Straight up, it’s been a great experience. All approvals came through in a timely manner and they’ve been really supportive of our vision from day one. When plan modifications have been needed, they’re always fast to respond, ensuring there have been no barriers to progress every step of the way. We’ve also recently put our application in to develop the space out the back of the brewery – this will feature a shipping container kitchen with rooftop seating, complete with umbrellas. The surrounding area will serve as a beer garden with a kids’ play area, all safely fenced off. This will create a great sense of connectivity between the indoor and outdoor spaces, while also creating a different area for private bookings. We’re hoping to have the space wrapped up by Christmas or early next year – so keep your eyes peeled.”
Tom Croft on preparing the venue for a range of activities.
“The space is really versatile, and we have great plans to use it for a whole variety of events. That includes conferences, workshops and even weddings – a few of which are already booked in! The space fits up to 250 people, is easily accessible and close to hotels in the centre of town, and we can also cater for your event too. That might be through our kitchen that Dan just mentioned, or with The Herd Bar who will take up permanent residence in the cafe at the front of the building from February 2024. We’re thrilled to have them on board, serving coffee, brekky treats and beyond from 5.30am daily.”
Dan Emery on designing the space.
“We’ve worked closely with Peter Holzberger of Armidale New England Building Design on the various development applications – he’s been fantastic. In terms of carrying out the interior design work, we’ve done a lot of that ourselves with the help of friends and my father-in-law, too. We built the coolroom together, helped pour the cement flooring, built the bar and the stage. We all just got stuck in and made it happen and we’re so grateful for the people we have in our team. Even some of the furniture has been donated from local businesses, which really plays into our mix of old and new. It’s a very eclectic, industrial vibe, but it works. The whole town has been really supportive and eager for us to open and we can’t wait to keep building on our offering from here on in.”
Mayor Sam Coupland on the importance of trailblazers like Dan, Tom and The Welder’s Dog team.
“Big picture: we need trailblazers. What these guys have done is proof of concept. They put their money where their mouth is – so I’m really hopeful that others see that and take a punt. From a council perspective, we can support people in taking that leap by facilitating more of these developments, work together to define the area as a precinct and make planning a lot more sympathetic. What they’re doing is certainly unique in Armidale, and it’s also unique throughout regional Australia. I’m looking forward to what else they can bring in with their new space and how it will highlight what a culturally diverse and interesting place Armidale is.”
Head on down to the Dog
If you’d like to book your next celebration, conference or workshop with The Welder’s Dog team, get in touch today. The space is your oyster!
The Welder’s Dog Brewery and Entertainment Centre
101 Beardy Street, Armidale – at the old R.Noble’s Sales and Parts store
0423 200 699
theweldersdog.com.au
@theweldersdog_hq
