From outdoor dining and live performance to augmented reality and interactive experiences, Maitland City Council’s Maitlanes has now come to an end. 

Proudly funded by the NSW Government’s Streets as Shared Spaces program, the initiative ran from February to April and delivered seven unique laneway transformations and 66 programming sessions that helped support local creatives, entertainers, facilitators, artists, and businesses.

The project targeted laneways dominated by vehicles or under utilised spaces, and was designed to achieve the following: 

• Create new usable public space with a strong connection with High Street
• Improving walkability in the city centre
• Changing the hierarchy of the streets 
• Supporting greater social connection

The purpose of the project was to feature a mix of creative and practical interventions that would test permanent change and strengthen the economic vitality of Central Maitland.

While most of the Maitlanes treatments will remain unchanged, some laneways will have elements removed to reinstate access for vehicles. For more information about the status of remaining laneways, see each of the site locations below.  

DRILL HALL LANE & UNNAMED LANE 

A new area of feature seating and bike racks have been installed to compliment the area near The Bikesmith & Espresso Bar. Additionally, an augmented reality experience was created for Drill Hall lane, taking Alex Umpel’s existing ‘Take Me to the River’ mural into another dimension. Look for the QR code onsite. 

PRESCHOOL LANE 

Artist Patrick Hunter, also known as InkHunter was commissioned by Maitland City Council to create this mural. Patrick’s passion for environmental issues influenced the piece, which features the native tree and gum leaf, positioned alongside rippling waves, and depictions of a fingerprint and footprint.

NAB LANEWAY 

NAB Laneway has been transformed into a verdant and enchanting forest habitat that evokes Maitland’s now vanished cedar forests. A ground mural by artist Andrew Bennett combined with a bespoke soundscape offers insight into Maitland’s fascinating history.

This is an adaptable space where visitors can reflect on scenes and sounds of how the area may have been in days gone by.

MOORE STREET

During Maitlanes, Moore Street was transformed into a lush multi purpose jungle space, designed by Hunter based agency Design Anthology. Complete with seating, semi mature plants, vertical gardens, a misting system, atmospheric lighting, an ambient soundscape and entrance signage, Urban Jungle was used as an inviting green space where pedestrians can pause, rest and reflect.

This activation has been removed from Moore Street, with plans to relocate it elsewhere in Maitland in the near future. Stay tuned.

COFFIN LANE 

By day, a service road and loading dock; but by night, Coffin Lane is used as the perfect space for activities on select weekend evenings – much like the popular LIVE at The Levee evenings that have become a firm favourite among locals.   

During Maitlanes, Cocktails on Coffin was used as a pop up performance space, featuring new permanent feature lighting and a theatrical decal, transforming the laneway into a unique and hip small bar and comedy venue. Both the lighting and the decal remain in place for future programming opportunities outside of Maitlanes. 

DRANSFIELD LANE 

An underutilised paved area has been transformed into a peaceful oasis in the midst of Maitland’s city centre. Seating, greenery and a smattering of smart tech has seen Dransfield Lane transformed into an accessible and practical place to relax and recharge. Events 720 have designed a fit for purpose space that places community connectivity front of mind.

STILLSBURY LANE 

Nestled off High Street next to the The Imperial Hotel, M(Eat) @ Stillsbury was transformed into a chic urban dining and play space, featuring a larger than life mural by artist James O’Hanlon. Stillsbury Lane remains closed to traffic until September 2023 while the activation continues to remain in place.