Five Maitland landmarks have made it onto a list of the top urban building and space designs from the past 40 years.
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This year marks the 40th anniversary of the Lower Hunter Urban Design Awards, an annual design competition of buildings, landscapes and public open spaces.
To mark the importance of the anniversary, the 2015 competition finalists have been chosen from the winners of the past 40 years, rather than new projects.
Maitland has taken out five finalist positions and two of those were Maitland City Council projects.
“It’s wonderful,” mayor Peter Blackmore said.
“It is an appreciation of those outstanding buildings that make up the fabric of Maitland.
“It’s also recognition of the people behind the design.”
Among the finalists was the Morpeth Court House for its adaptive reuse as a museum.
The courthouse was built by William Cains and completed in September 1862.
While courthouses were operating at East and West Maitland at that time, Morpeth’s rapid development as the Hunter Valley’s original river port meant the incidence of crime had also rapidly risen.
The Morpeth project involved the adaptive reuse of the 1860s building to maintain, preserve and restore the original structure.
The refurbishment works won the heritage award in 2014 because they demonstrated excellence in the preservation of the township’s history, which ensured the landmark building remained connected with the significance of the main commercial strip.
The judges found careful consideration was given to the reinstatement of authentic joinery, reconstruction of the timber floor and enhanced entry in order to improve the function of the building.
The 2015 winners will be announced at a Gala Dinner at the Newcastle City Hall on September 11, for more information visit www.lhuda.com.au.
The Maitland finalists:
1. Former Jewish Synagogue conversion to Credit Union in Church Street, Maitland, winner of the heritage section in 1987.
2. Mindaribba Local Aboriginal Land Council Community Health and Multipurpose Centre, Chelmsford Drive, Metford, winner of small-scale commercial development in 1996.
3. Maitland City Art Gallery, High Street, Maitland, winner heritage section 2004.
4. East Maitland Branch Library, Garnett Road, East Maitland, winner small-scale commercial development in 2005.
5. Morpeth Court House, Swan Street, Morpeth, winner of heritage section in 2014.
