Maitland Precinct
The Maitland Railway Precinct was one area of David Sheedy’s particular attention due to its distinct indigenous, industrial, pastoral, agronomic and architectural heritage influences in the greater Sydney district. The Maitland Railway area is significant because of the mostly intact, early 19th century railway settings that contributed to the local economy largely due to commercial interests that were nation building. In addition, and of substantial consideration should be made for Maitland’s cultural indigenous past and for its archaeological perspectives. This area brought forward the needed employment opportunities, engineering innovation, and progressive agricultural practices that generated enormous revenues for NSW and Queensland.
Brief History
The East Maitland railway was located on the Main North Line which ran along Sydney to the Queensland border. This old line has largely been discontinued at Armidale and presently the North Coast line has taken over the Sydney to Brisbane route. Maitland’s early pioneers settled there as farmers and miners in the early 1800s. Sir Thomas Mitchell, Town Planner encouraged growth by providing services to include a courthouse, post office and goal in 1841. During the 1850’s the town centres of East Maitland, West Maitland and Morpeth grew at a faster rate than Newcastle.
The period of the mid-1800s’ railway transport encouraged pastoralism including the breeding, raising, processing, and distribution of livestock for commercial purposes. During this period mining and extraction of mineral ores, as well as precious stones were developed and agricultural activities such as fresh produce as well as oats, alfalfa etc were firmly established.
Major Structures of Significance
The Station Building, platform, subway, ticket office and waiting shed were constructed c1914. The main buildings consist of type 11 brick, are gabled and of corrugated galvanised iron structures. The grounds surrounding landscape has a row of mature jacarandas and lawn located behind the platform.
In the months to come more detail on the Maitland district and its significant architecture and engineering will be detailed with further research, thematic places and events, for examples tours and the Hunter Valley Steam Fest.
