The redevelopment has grabbed the attention of judges by combining two 100 year-old buildings into a contemporary and useable building.

MRAG public program co-ordinator Kim Blunt said it was pleasing to simply have the building considered in the Regeneration and New Development category.

“Recognition on such a national level would be wonderful and honour our local investment in this,” she said.

The new MRAG was designed by award winning architectural firms Paul Berkemeier Architect Pty Ltd with Barry McGregor and Associates. The total cost of project was $8 million (funded by Maitland City Council, Arts NSW, philanthropic foundations and private sponsors).

The first stage of the project was opened to the public in August 2009.

The final stage that includes the fit-out of the The Art Factory, meeting room and cafe, was completed in May 2011 making it eligible for the 2012 awards.

National Trust NSW chief executive officer Brian Scarsbrig said MRAG was among an astounding range of projects.

“The prestigious National Trust Heritage Awards shine the spotlight NSW projects that are doing something amazing to protect our heritage,” he said.

“Without doubt some of our heritage is at risk and if it is lost forever it’s absolutely tragic because a photo can never be a substitute.”

In 2003 Maitland Regional Art Gallery (MRAG) moved into the historic Walter Liberty Vernon (Government Architect) designed Maitland Technical College buildings, which were initially opened in 1909.

In 2008, MRAG closed its doors to accommodate extensive renovations and regeneration of the buildings – integrating the two 100 year old buildings with a new contemporary gallery building.

Most recently it MRAG won the 2011 Australian Institute of Architects Commendation for Heritage (NSW) commendation.