Maitland Council backs Rutherford property sale to pave way for club upgrade and new childcare centre

newy.com.au – Maitland City Council will proceed with the sale of the land and buildings at 12 Woodberry Street, Rutherford, in a move designed to support a major redevelopment by Club Maitland City while keeping a not-for-profit childcare service in West Maitland.

The property is currently tenanted by Kookaburra Korner Early Education Centre. Council resolved at its 17 March 2026 meeting to proceed with the sale after Maitland City Bowls, Sports & Recreation Club, trading as Club Maitland City, approached the council to purchase the site.

Under the arrangement, Club Maitland City has agreed to fund and build a new not-for-profit early education centre nearby for Kookaburra Korner before the existing centre is demolished as part of the club’s planned renovations.

Council executive manager finance Kelly Arnott said “this strategic sale will have a direct positive impact on Council’s budget, not just from the funds from the sale but also the ongoing cost savings that will be achieved by no longer having to maintain, and ultimately renew or replace, this ageing asset.”

Club Maitland City chief executive Ian Martin said “acquiring the Kookaburra Korner property is a mutual partnership ensuring that high quality childcare is operating in the West Maitland area. In the coming years a new childcare centre offering at minimum the same not-for-profit capacity will be built, resulting in even better experiences with the same dedicated daycare team,”

Kookaburra Korner spokesperson Judy Mitchell said “we’re grateful for the support from both Club Maitland City and Council to ensure that we can still provide this not-for-profit service for local families.”

The current Kookaburra Korner lease will transfer to Club Maitland City on settlement.