Anyone who has visited Adelaide’s Rundle Mall would probably have noticed people taking photos of each other with Truffles, Horatio, Augusta and Oliver – the bronze pigs that call the shopping precinct home.
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The life-sized bronze pig statues have been a hit with visitors and locals since they were placed in the mall in 1999.
Maitland City Council has suggested its own version of the attraction as part of the Heritage Interpretation Master Plan, designed to use the city’s history to brighten central Maitland.
Three bullock statues could be put into The Levee precinct to represent the early days of European settlement in the city, according to council’s heritage officer Clare James.
“High Street began as a meandering track for bullock teams and formed the spine of the early settlements,” she said.
“Bullock teams dominated the street until the Great Northern Railway reached Singleton in 1863.
“The street was smelly, dirty and dusty. A sculpture around the concept proposed captures this history in a literal way and is intended to be an iconic statement.”
Ms James said the statues could be made from sandstone, bronze or local rock.
They would be designed as a prop for a quirky photo opportunity, similar to the Rundle Mall pigs.
“The interpretation plan proposes a range of different formats,” Ms James said.
“Some of these are key elements and have the potential to become local landmarks, while others will be less obvious and lead to experiences of surprise and discovery.
“The concept promotes interaction with people and is intended to provide a great photo opportunity for locals and visitors alike.”
Visit www.maitlandyoursay.com.au to tell council what you think about the masterplan, which is on public exhibition.
See tomorrow’s Mercury for the next instalment of our in-depth look into some of council’s ideas.
