“This is a great boost for the Maitland community, as it keeps jobs in the area and will deliver economic benefits.”
That’s how Maitland MP Jenny Aitchison summed up the official opening of the $13.8 million Maitland Workplace Hub on Tuesday 23 April.
The High Street facility, which unites three government agencies under one roof, is now the base for up to 650 regional workers – from the Department of Regional NSW (DRNSW), Department of Customer Service (DCS) and Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure (DPHI).
It offers flexible and agile workspace for all employees visiting the Hunter for work, too.
“The NSW Government’s central property agency Property and Development NSW (PDNSW) has delivered the Maitland Workplace Hub as part of its ongoing work to consolidate agencies into modern, sustainable hubs,” Ms Aitchison said.
“The project also supported 40 construction jobs for local tradespeople and subcontractors.
“The new fit-out provides 5,500 square metres of workspace across two floors and more than 250 underground and street level car parking spaces to support government workers based in Maitland.”
By consolidating the three agencies, the NSW Government has condensed the rent and associated costs from having multiple leases, while creating a modern working environment.
“Reducing the number of commercial leases is part of our aim to address the state’s budget challenge,” Minister for Finance Courtney Houssos said.
Work is also underway to upgrade the building’s environmental credentials to achieve a 5-star NABERS energy rating and a 4-star NABERS water rating, which backs the state’s net zero emissions targets.
“We are delighted that along with leading the construction of the Maitland Workplace Hub, we supported 11 apprentices and 20 local tradespeople,” Hunter Mason founder and managing director Matthew Callender said.
“As well, we committed $850,000 towards Aboriginal participation, which is an important driver for Hunter Mason.”
Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley said the opening of the new government workplace hub was a win for the region.
“It means more jobs, more opportunities and a brighter future for our community, helping lay down the groundwork for sustainable growth and prosperity,” she explained.
“We recognise the immense talent and potential of our rural workers.
“So, the opening of the hub highlights our commitment to preserving local jobs and fostering economic growth in regional areas.
“We strive to bridge the gap between urban and rural employment and this commitment will help decentralise opportunities and spread economic success beyond the metropolitan areas.”
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