Last week builder Ken Porter, member for Myall Lakes Stephen Bromhead and Manning Horticultural and Agricultural Society’s Allan Richards met on the site of the new cattle pavilion, celebrating the start of construction.

At that stage the footings were already in place and it was expected the build would be finished within the week.

Contracted by MidCoast Sheds, Ken, from Porterect in Tamworth (who is soon to relocate to the Manning), said along with his team of two other men, the construction of the pavilion would include erecting the steelwork and installing the cladding.

Project manager Allan Richards said it was exciting to see work begin. “This shed will bring something we can be proud of.”

The pavilion will serve a dual purpose, exhibiting livestock and storing equipment.

It replaces the iconic cattle shed, which had stood for 90 years before it was taken down in September 2016. Over the years the shed, which was last used to house cattle in October 2015, developed a noticeable lean.

In February 2016, an engineer's report found the shed was in immediate danger of collapsing, with a lean of 15 degrees in the support beams identified.

The State government provided $18,000 towards the demolition of the former cattle shed and granted an additional $120,000 towards the building of the new pavilion.

Mr Bromhead said he was pleased to learn that part of the roof of the former shed was recycled for the new building.

Mr Richards said the history of the former cattle shed will be recognised on the facade of the new pavilion and there is a possibility the pavilion will be extended in the future.

The construction is complete in time for the Taree Show, on Friday October 6 to Sunday October 8.

Mr Richards describes the showground as the “hub of Taree”.

It hosts a number of events, including this year’s hugely successful NSW Regional Dressage Festival and also caters for big rigs, which can’t set up in caravan parks.