A new performing arts theatre, according to the same people, would be the high school graduation.

Frank Oakes dedicated 20 years of his life to the Maitland Repertory Theatre as president, overseeing season after season of stage shows at The Playhouse, on High Street.

Looking around Maitland in his retirement, at how the town has grown, he said it’s ready to fully embrace the arts.

“The town’s growing up and they keep telling us we’ll have 100,000 people here in 10 years,” he said.

“You want heart in a town, a place where people mix and enjoy performances including plays and music.”

Mr Oakes said the ideal location would be next to the town hall, across the road from the existing theatre and Maitland Regional Art Gallery. The development could make the southern end of High Street a cultural precinct.

“Somebody has to get the ball rolling on this and get people talking about a new theatre,” he said. “Hopefully this is it.”

It is not the first time that slice of land has been discussed as the site for a performing arts theatre.

Under the mayoral leadership of John Martin plans were commissioned and drawn up by Newcastle firm Suters.

“It would be good to know what happened to those plans,” Mr Oakes said.

“They’re most likely sitting in a draw somewhere gathering dust since the council was sacked, so why not get them out and see if they’re still relevant.”

Mr Oakes said the land could be developed to encompass a new library and extended office space for council.