Maitland City Council has locked into place plans to secure its long term tenure of Maitland Gaol and to cement the site’s standing as one of the region’s iconic tourist attractions.
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A submission has been made for funding through the Public Reserves Management Fund and council will now engage a consultant to undertake a gaol business plan.
Council initially undertook tours of the gaol almost immediately after it closed in 1998 and was offered a licence to operate the property as a tourism facility in 2000.
Gaol coordinator Gordon Sauber said a business plan would assist in identifying future opportunities for the gaol. “It will provide guidance and direction to council on the opportunities and goals for the facility and the processes necessary to achieve these goals,” he said.
Over the past five years visitor numbers at the gaol have remained stable and average about 25,000 visitors a year. In August 2015 council engaged the NSW Government Architect’s Office to undertake the development of a maintenance strategy for the site.
“Repairs outlined in the strategy included replacement of roofing and drainage systems along with repair and replacement of large sections of sandstone,” Mr Sauber said. “The most urgent of these repairs which are designed to ensure the gaol can remain accessible and safe for visitors, will form part of council’s grant application.” Mr Sauber said addressing the infrastructure and maintenance issues was critical to the long term sustainability of the site.
“In the future council will continue to explore a wide range of opportunities for the site including new and innovative interpretations to expand the visitor experience, increased capacity to provide function and event spaces and small scale business opportunities and partnerships.
Council’s Marketing and Communications Manager Rachel MacLucas said council’s focus would now move onto securing funding to address the gaol’s deteriorating infrastructure. About $800,000 is needed.
“The engagement of a consultant will provide direction for the business and strengthen council’s position when applying for future funding. It will also provide a structured approach to achieving long term sustainability and confirmation of its role as one of the Hunter’s iconic tourism attractions.”
