A new perspective of an old site a step closer, as DA approved for Gaol tower alterations

Future visitors to Maitland Gaol can expect to climb up and tour the site’s historic ramparts, after a development application for alterations to one of the walls and two of the guard towers was approved at last night’s Council meeting.

The alterations and additions to the site will open up access to two of the Gaol’s existing towers, enabling pedestrian tours along the gantry walkways, and affording visitors a new and exciting perspective on one of New South Wales’ premier heritage listed sites.

The existing timber spiral staircases will be retained, sealed and lit, enabling tour participants to catch a glimpse of the Gaol’s original fixtures.

Maitland Gaol Heritage Interpretation Specialist Zoe Whiting says the new offering, known as The Tower Experience, will 'eventually operate both day and night tours, so that visitors to Maitland Gaol can experience how it would have been for officers on the walls through all hours of the day.’

‘Being able to access the towers and walkways will afford visitors an exciting new perspective on this former maximum security prison,’ Ms Whiting said.

‘The experience will be interpreted in a range of ways, to tell the unique story of the towers from the officer's perspective for the very first time.

This visitor experience in the Maitland Gaol redevelopment is proudly support from the NSW Government’s tourism and major events agency Destination NSW, through the 2020-21 Experience Enhancement Fund.

Development consent now opens the pathway to apply for final heritage approvals of the works.

This project is in addition to more than $11.6 million worth of works toward realising elements of the Maitland Gaol Development Plan, funded by over $10 million in shared State and Federal funding announced in January this year.

More information on the Maitland Gaol Development Plan can be found at www.maitlandgaol.com.au.