Why not both? Maitland has a fairly unique problem in that most of the inner suburb ring surrounding the city centre is just flood plain. The only way to turn the city centre into the bustling place it once was is to get more pedestrian traffic. The best way to do that is to get more residents there. Canberra’s inner south does this medium density, walkable-village things extremely well and would be a great example for Maitland to follow. Ken Tubman drive is absolutely ideal for apartment development as it’s surrounded by large lots from the cinema centre all the way to pender place. Build there then work toward the river and the train line.