A program that aims to provide social, cultural and economic benefits to the city through certain place activations across Maitland is in the early stages of planning.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
or signup to continue reading
![WARMING THE STREETS: Michaela Swan pictured on The Levee with her knitted sculpture in August this year. PICTURE: Perry Duffin. WARMING THE STREETS: Michaela Swan pictured on The Levee with her knitted sculpture in August this year. PICTURE: Perry Duffin.](/images/transform/v1/crop/frm/tmUaC97GWTfBTvbgiBtbEs/4a10b84c-6956-4933-9d7f-f3d1a5ed232e.jpg/r0_396_2872_1762_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg)
Maitland City Council has adopted the Draft Maitland Place Activation Strategy which will serve as a guide to council's decision making around place activation practices.
Place activation is the temporary, creative reinterpretation of public space.
It is about connecting people to community spaces, sharing stories, memories and experiences to create places that are welcoming, safe and fun for all.
These can include wall murals, art installations, coffee and food vans, produce markets, live music, events and activities for children.
Council is developing the Maitland Place Activation Strategy to help guide practices and be a catalyst for exciting place activation initiatives at key sites across the City.
Creative spaces will start popping up across the city from mid-June this year to show what place activation is all about.
A report to last week's council meeting said ideas put forward so far are for themed and grouped place activation sites under four pillars: After dark, street art, pop-ups/installations and interpretation.
Members of the public have had the opportunity to provide ideas and feedback during a community engagement process earlier this year.
Overall there were 1241 responses received throughout the community engagement process with 80 participants in focused workshops and site walks.
The precinct that received the most ideas overall for place activation was Central Maitland. Other locations consistently mentioned included Rutherford shopping area, East Maitland and Morpeth.
Previous place activations have included a vintage car show on The Levee, floating lantern sculptures at Riverlights and music performances on The Levee.
Council has identified a budget allocation of $1 million over seven years for place activation. Extra funds will be sought from public and private sectors.