The community title development at the old Gunnedah abattoir on Quia Road is in early days of construction but already has gathered strong support from prospective stakeholders.

Green energy developers Ironbark Energy plan to divide the farm into 272, 100 kilowatt sub-lots available for purchase by the public. Each title holder would own the land and solar panels and able to sell the energy produced. A further 24 industrial lots will also be offered for sale.

Ironbark director Peter Speck said while there were encouraging early investment signs, they were yet to formalise agreements with would-be buyers.

“We had a lot of interest to build it and there’s been a lot of enquiry since,” Mr Speck said.

"If we said yes to everybody, we would have sold out already. But it’s still too early to be signing [contracts].”

Speaking with the Namoi Valley Independent on Monday, he forecast solar farm construction to start no later than November and the development to be operational by April or May 2017.

A major part of the development will be the demolition of the abattoir and its surrounding buildings, including costly asbestos removal. The majority of demolition work should be complete by February.

Mr Speck assured potential buyers there would be no asbestos risk once refurbished.

“It’s not unsafe,” he said.

Just how much the hazardous removal was going to cost, he couldn’t be sure. But he was certain the Gunnedah development fitted well with their approach to country areas.

“[Gunnedah] suits our business model,” he said, “We’re pretty committed to regional centres.”

What’s more, the company director and one of three in Ironbark Energy, hinted there could more developments in the pipeline.

“I have a few other Gunnedah ideas,” he said.

Ironbark is now awaiting finalisation of its construction certificate.