The award winning Riverlink building is featured in a short documentary highlighting its transformative impact, as part of The Levee Precinct, on Central Maitland.The documentary takes the audience on a journey from Maitland’s turbulent relationship with the Hunter River to the revitalisation of Central Maitland and an important connection to the river through The Riverlink.
Along with success The Riverlink building is having with international architecture awards, it has also been instrumental in The Levee’s ongoing transformation to a vibrant lifestyle precinct.
The Levee Precinct is home a range of dining and entertainment options, a blend of small business and national retail stores and professional services. The Precinct hosts everything from major events to a fortnightly farmers market.
Cr Loretta Baker, Mayor of Maitland says ‘back in 2009, Council commissioned a study into the CBD. Two of the big things were improving the public domain but also improving our relationship with the River.
‘This has delivered the river to the CBD in a way none of us thought possible’.
While the past few years have been difficult for hospitality, events and retail, The Riverlink has proven to be a seed of regeneration for the area. Since 2020 vacant properties in Central Maitland have slowly been decreasing while rents have been increasing in demand.
Tai Ropiha, Director CHROFI – Architects for The Riverlink says ‘part of what is really special about Maitland is its very intact representation of early Australian architecture along its high street’.
‘I was really amazed that you would stand in the high street and have no awareness that 30 metres away was the Hunter River.”
The documentary is a co-production by Maitland City Council and CHROFI. To watch it, visit www.maitland.nsw.gov.au/the-riverlink
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