Dual DAs lodged as part of Maitland Gaol Redevelopment Plan

Maitland City Council is moving forward with plans to redevelop Maitland Gaol, following the lodgement of two development applications that will allow for a range of enhanced tourism offerings at the historical site to be shovel ready.

In addition to the provision of boutique accommodation in the site’s gatehouse, the development applications seek to approve a new entryway and activity hub, restaurant, event infrastructure, parking, and innovative interpretation of the site.

In 2022, Maitland City Council received $10.5 million in shared funding from the New South Wales and Australian governments to redevelop the site, with Council also committing $1.2 million to the project.

Maitland Gaol has been closed to the public following fire and electrical system safety issues being identified earlier this year.

The dual development applications, which are being submitted as a requirement of the grant funding, ‘will run parallel to Council’s continued scoping work for rectification of the safety issues at the site,’ says Maitland City Council General Manager Jeff Smith.

‘While the lodgement of the two DAs doesn’t indicate that any redevelopment work would take place imminently, it does underscore our continuing vision for Maitland Gaol to become a vibrant precinct and iconic destination for the Hunter, as we work on gaining the necessary approvals to broaden its offering and deepen its appeal to both locals and visitors to our region,’ Mr Smith continued.

‘The long term outlook for Maitland Gaol remains one of adaptive reuse, heritage preservation, enhanced interpretation and wider visitation.

‘The plans for redevelopment as well as the scope of works for the remediation of safety issues will be presented to the new council by the end of the year.

‘Maitland City Council continues to work with the NSW Government, which owns the site, about what funding might be available to conduct safety repair works.’

For more information about the Maitland Gaol Redevelopment Plan, visit mait.city/GaolRedevelopment