newy.com.au – Maitland’s face-to-face Visitor Information Service will relocate to Maitland Regional Art Gallery from Friday 1 May 2026 after a review found strong support for keeping an in-person service in the city.
Maitland City Council said the review and community engagement process attracted 1028 submissions. The Central Park Café, RV parking, RV dump point and facilities at the current site on the corner of the New England Highway and High Street will remain in operation, while a report on the future use of the existing Visitor Information Centre building will be presented to council in April.
Maitland City Council director city planning Trevor Ryan said “in-person visitor numbers to the current Visitor Information Centre are not at a level to warrant a standalone service, and this presents an opportunity to integrate a touchpoint into Maitland Regional Art Gallery for visitors and residents who want more information about what Maitland has to offer.”
He said the gallery’s location in Central Maitland, close to major event sites such as Steamfest, would provide a more accessible face-to-face experience for visitors as well as new and existing residents.
Mr Ryan said “We’re also seeing an increasing trend towards customers accessing information online, with visits to the My Maitland website now exceeding 350,000 annually.”
He said the website and social media gave people access to a what’s on calendar, entertainment and accommodation options, local business listings and a trip planner tailored to interests, length of stay and budget.
