BY DAKOTA TAIT
Walka Water Works is set for a $25 million revitalisation, with Maitland Council and the State Government signing a Memorandum of Understanding to put the site on the tourist map.
They're partnering with Reflections Holiday Parks in the hopes of securing a joint funding bid in the Regional Tourism Activation Fund.
The site's been closed for cleanup works since February, after asbestos was detected on the grounds.
While it's expected to reopen in the coming weeks, the site's slated for bigger changes beyond that date, including holiday accommodation and opening the heritage pumphouse to the public.
Mayor Philip Penfold says it's an exciting opportunity.
"It will be everything from glamping cabins to eco-cabins, to tent sites to caravan sites," he said.
"There'll be quite a variety scattered across the various locations of Walka, so as not to spoil that site."
The plan is also proposing to improve accessibility on the walking trails, redevelop the miniature railway station, and establish a centralised amenities building.
Under the plan, Council would work with Crown Lands to make the changes happen.
"The future of the pumphouse building can be many and varied," Cr Penfold said. "Certainly it'll be a fantastic opportunity for a function centre, opportunities for restaurants, cafes, and the like."
"It's a large building. It sorely needs some TLC and some work done inside."
"The understanding that we have with the Government will help us bring this back to life. It does need funding, but we do have some irons in the fire on that."
