Specialist consultants to assess Maitland Gaol site

Maitland City Council has contracted a team of specialist consultants as the first step in determining what is needed to allow Maitland Gaol to safely reopen to the public.

Maitland City Council, who manage the 170 year old heritage listed site on behalf of the NSW Government, closed Maitland Gaol following the unexpected discovery of significant electrical and fire safety issues.

The consultant reports, which are expected in late July, will be reviewed by Council officers who will develop the timeframe and budget required to execute the remediation works and eventual reopening of the site.

‘We are working to determine the best way forward including engaging with the NSW Government
which owns the site about what funding may be available to conduct repair works,’ says Maitland City Council General Manager Jeff Smith.

‘I’m well aware of the impact of this closure on our staff, groups who were using the Gaol’s facilities and the wider community but we had no choice but to put the safety of our staff and visitors first.’

Permanent Gaol staff have been temporarily assigned to other locations and Council has assisted a number of organisations displaced by the Gaol’s closure to find alternative accommodation.

‘Even though I am unable to provide a reopening timeframe at this stage, I want to assure the community that finding a path forward for Maitland Gaol is a priority,’ Mr Smith says.