The $1.1 million restoration of Maitland Court House is complete and it will reopen on Monday.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Up to 90 tradesmen have worked to repair the four sides of the clock, reslate the roof, and restore some gloss to the 118-year-old building.
“This historic courthouse was the pride of the town when it was first opened in 1896. Children finished school early to watch the procession, which included a band and horse drawn carriages,” Heritage Minister Robyn Parker said.
“The court’s beautiful clock tower is still a symbol for the people of Maitland and I am delighted the clock has been repaired and is now working on all four sides.”
Attorney-General Greg Smith and Ms Parker have inspected the renovations ahead of the resumption of court sittings on Monday.
“We are proud to have given this beautiful 1896 building a $1.1m facelift, which has improved both its look and its functional use,” Mr Smith said.
Inside there is fresh plaster and paint matched with new carpet and furniture.
Improvements to the airconditioning will also keep temperatures in check.
Outside, the court has received a new slate roof complete with new guttering and downpipes.
“The original slate tiles were regarded as the best quality slate in the world and it is great that in this renovation we’ve been able to match these original slates with a new heather blue slate, and replace the [tin] section of the old roof with slate tiles as well,” Ms Parker said.
“I am very proud of our restored court and congratulate all the workers for the excellent job they have done,” she said.
The landscaping design has been approved and is expected to be completed in coming months.
Remediation work will continue on the remaining plane tree and new public seating will also be installed outside the courthouse.
“Once the landscaping is completed, the people of Maitland will be able to see their courthouse in its full glory,” Ms Parker said.
“But from next week it is back to business in this historic local courthouse.”