Councillors last night agreed to put a master plan on public exhibition for Ministers Park, which is located next to the Visitor Information Centre on the corner of High Street and the New England Highway.

The existing barbecue and shade facilities will be replaced, according to the plan, and the area around the totem poles will be more clearly defined and turned into a garden dining area for the café at the Visitor Information Centre.

Other upgrades would include establishment of Ministers Garden, where dignitaries will be able to plant more trees, a memorial garden dedicated to accident victims and a heritage garden to reflect historical events that have shaped Maitland.

About 10 trees will be relocated in the park and fencing will be repaired and extended.

Cr Loretta Baker said the park was part of an often overlooked entrance to the city.

“You never see people in it but this [masterplan] will change that,” she said.

Cr Peter Garnham said the park was “a nice amphitheatre” at the intersection of the highway and High Street.

“It’s another area for people to gather and support local businesses,” he said.

The park contains trees planted by various government ministers who have visited Maitland since 1986.

The master plan will be open for public comment soon.