The overhaul of the Maitland Administration Centre (MAC) is now complete.

Following almost a decade of work, the $45.5 million project, which comprises the $9.7 million refurbishment of the neighbouring Maitland Town Hall, was officially opened at the weekend.

With several dignitaries looking on – including Paterson MP Meryl Swanson, Maitland MP Jenny Aitchison, Upper Hunter MP Dave Layzell, Newcastle Deputy Lord Mayor Declan Causen, and former Maitland mayors Loretta Baker, Graham Dunkley, Robert Gee, Henry Meskauskas and Ray Fairweather – current mayor Philip Penfold, general manager David Evans PSM and council staff member Maya Young cut the ribbon to signal a new era on Saturday 3 June.

The trio also unveiled a plaque, inset to the building’s exterior façade.

Planning for the MAC venture began in 2015, with construction finally starting in April 2021.

In addition to the fit-for-purpose office space, which brings more than 300 council staff under the same roof for the first time in years, nearly $10 million was spent on refitting and refurbishing the historic Maitland Town Hall with changerooms, kitchen facilities and a stage loading dock.

Cr Penfold admitted it was important to maintain the premises’ historic roots.

“With the first stone laid in January 1888, Maitland Town Hall has evolved quite a lot over the decades,” he said.

“As one of the oldest buildings in our city, it’s seen and undergone a lot of change, and these latest updates bring it into the 21st century.

“We have also preserved many of its original features as a link to the past, including the original spring floor in the auditorium, ornate ceilings and cornices, and the wooden staircase.”

The Town Hall seamlessly integrates into the broader MAC, with improved accessibility to a renovated Council Chambers.

Mr Evans said the wider project provided a major economic boost to the city.

“It generated close to 200 additional jobs and injected an estimated $100 million into the local economy,” he explained.

“Maitland is one of the fastest growing cities in NSW and as one of the biggest employers in our city, council needs to make sure we keep up with this growth.

“The new administration building and Town Hall upgrades will help us do this by bringing more of our staff under the same roof, improving our productivity and ensuring we continue to deliver for the people of Maitland.”

The refurbishment of the Town Hall will ensure it continues to operate as a multi-purpose regional entertainment venue, capable of hosting everything from weddings and functions to large-scale concerts and events.

“It’s hosted its fair share of parties, debutant balls and the like,” Cr Penfold said.

“The work we’ve undertaken here will ensure that story and spirit continue long into the future.

“We’re taking a staged approach to the reopening of the venue, with meeting rooms available for community hire right now, followed by the auditorium and supper room from 1 July.

“Maitland Town Hall ultimately belongs to the people of Maitland.

“It’s a place many of our residents have memories of… and somewhere where we hope memories will continue to be made.

“We can’t wait to start welcoming back our community and inviting them in to see, use and enjoy the space.”

Residents and businesses can now hire five meeting rooms, with capacity limits that range from eight to 55.

Each is set up with audio-visual equipment, such as soundbars, TVs, cameras and projector screens.

For information and to submit a booking request, email [email protected].

FAST FACTS

• Town Hall’s foundation stone was laid on 26 January 1888 and the venue opened in February 1890.
• Australia’s first Prime Minister Edmund Barton opened his government’s campaign ahead of the first federal election at Maitland Town Hall in January 1901.
• Maitland Town Hall has also hosted Prime Ministers such as Robert Menzies, Paul Keating and John Howard.
• Maitland Town Hall hosted the future King, Prince Charles, when he visited Maitland with Princess Diana in 1983.

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