PLANS to redevelop Maitland Gaol are moving forward with the lodgement of two development applications as part of Maitland City Council's redevelopment plans for the site.
A boutique hotel and restaurant are part of its restructure to offer a range of tourism offerings. The plans also include a new entryway, event infrastructure, parking and innovative interpretation of the site.
The 170-year-old historical venue was forced to close its doors in March this year due to safety issues found in a review.
Maitland City Council general manager Jeff Smith said the dual applications were submitted as a requirement of the $10.5 million shared government funding they received in 2022, along with their $1.2 million commitment to the project.
"The DAs will run parallel to council's continued scoping work for rectification of the safety issues at the site," he said.
"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."
"The long term outlook for Maitland Gaol remains one of adaptive reuse, heritage preservation, enhanced interpretation and wider visitation."
Plans for redevelopment and the scope of works for the remediation of safety issues will be presented to the new council by the end of the year, Mr Smith said.
"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," he said.
