Heritage interpretation of archaeological remains planned for Maitland Administration Centre

A range of heritage interpretation proposals will give the community an opportunity to learn about the history of the site of the future Maitland Administration Centre after Councillors supported a report from yesterday’s Council Meeting.

Signage will be used to describe the history of specific areas, salvaged artefacts will be displayed in the new public lobby of the future building, and research and detailed records of the excavation will be used to inform an online digital display. All investigation findings have been recorded in detail, including accurate three dimensional digital photogrammetry records of each excavation site.

The recently excavated sites will be filled with the partial remains of building structures retained in the ground. An inlayed surface pavement treatment will be used to mark the location of the walls of the Royal Arch Inn cellar alongside Devonshire Street.

These interpretation proposals will be in addition to a number of works already planned for the Maitland Administration Centre such as signage relating to the retained and refurbished 1850s ‘Town Hall Café’ building, the former Pryor Plaster Works and the 1890s State heritage listed Maitland Town Hall.

Archaeologists were initially searching for an 1830s flour mill, however no evidence was found, and the findings were deemed as not having a high level of heritage significance.

Council’s Senior Project Architect Aaron Cook says, ‘We are pleased that the heritage of the sites will be interpreted as part of the new Maitland Administration Centre through a range of display formats serving as a constant reminder of Maitland’s past.

‘While the remains have not been assessed as having a high level of significance, they do have local significance and it is important that we capture and communicate the history in a way that is appropriate for the site.’

To find out more information about the future Maitland Administration Centre, see here.