To add to Maitland Gaol’s tourism appeal, future visitors can soon expect to climb up and tour the site’s historic ramparts.
It comes after a development application (DA), for alterations to one of the walls and two of the guard towers, was approved at Tuesday night’s council meeting.
The modifications to the iconic premises will open up access to two of the Gaol’s existing towers, enabling pedestrian tours along the gantry walkways, and affording them a new and exciting perspective on one of New South Wales’ premier Heritage-listed sites.
It’s understood the existing timber spiral staircases will be retained, sealed and lit, permitting visitors to catch a glimpse of its original fixtures.
The project is in addition to more than $11.6 million worth of works toward realising elements of the Maitland Gaol Development Plan, funded by in excess of $10 million in shared state and federal financial backing announced in January.
Maitland Gaol heritage interpretation specialist Zoe Whiting said the new offering, known as The Tower Experience, will eventually operate for both day and night tours.
“Visitors can gain some first-hand familiarity on how it would have been for officers on the walls through all hours of the day,” she explained.
“Being able to access the towers and walkways will afford them an exciting new perspective on this former maximum security prison.
“It will be interpreted in a range of ways, to tell the unique story of the towers from the officer’s viewpoint for the very first time.”
This visitor experience in the Maitland Gaol redevelopment is supported by the NSW Government’s tourism and major events agency Destination NSW, through the 2020-21 Experience Enhancement Fund.
Development consent now opens the pathway to apply for final heritage approvals of the works.
More information on the Maitland Gaol Development Plan can be found at www.maitlandgaol.com.au