East Maitland Set for Major Transformation

Source: Maitland City Council

Maitland City Council has unveiled ambitious plans to reshape East Maitland over the next two decades, with a draft structure plan projecting the need for 4,000 new homes to accommodate significant population growth.

The East Maitland Catalyst Area (EMCA) Structure Plan, which councillors approved for public consultation last month, estimates the area could grow by more than 6,000 residents over the next 20 years. This represents one of the most significant land use changes in Maitland in decades.

The comprehensive plan will guide the delivery of sustainable development across East Maitland, centring growth around existing services, amenities, employment hubs and transport links. It proposes changes to land use and zoning that will enable residential infill and mixed-use, higher-density development throughout the precinct.

"Our vision for Maitland is a thriving city with connected communities," said Maitland City Council Manager Strategic Planning Brett Gardiner. "This draft structure plan for East Maitland is looking to evolve the form and function of the area so that it can support new homes, new jobs, a robust economy, improved infrastructure and enhanced services."

The East Maitland Catalyst Area stretches from Victoria Street train station in the north to Metford train station in the southeast, and southwest to Ashtonfield and Green Hills. It's already one of Maitland's most vital employment centres, with more than 2,500 people commuting to work in the area daily and 591 businesses operating within the precinct as of 2021.

The NSW Government first identified East Maitland as a catalyst area in its Greater Newcastle Metropolitan Plan 2036 back in 2018. Last year, Maitland City Council received approximately $300,000 in state government funding to develop the detailed land use plan.

Mr Gardiner emphasised that the structure plan aims to ensure "the area's residential and demographic growth is balanced with strong environmental, social and economic outcomes."

Council is now seeking community feedback through a 28-day public exhibition period, with pop-up engagement sessions planned at Maitland Hospital, Stockland Green Hills and East Maitland Library. Consultation closes on Monday, 21 November.

For more information, visit https://engage.maitland.nsw.gov.au/east-maitland-catalyst-area-structure-plan.