An architectural homage to a western Queensland character has won a national design award, knocking off major city projects in the process.
Brisbane’s Blight Rayner Architecture and Wild Studio transformed the site of Dalby’s old Commercial Hotel into a small public space, the work winning an Australian Urban Design Award.
Blight Rayner Architecture Director Michael Rayner said Mary’s Place was designed to celebrate the hotel’s icon status in the regional town after it burnt down in 2018.
“The hotel was the heartbeat of Dalby and its publican for over 50 years, Mary Barry, was one of Dalby’s most beloved citizens, famous for her line ‘Happy days Luv’ whenever she served a beer,” Mr Rayner said.
He said the design, which was one of three joint winners in the Built Outcomes category of this year’s awards, integrated many abstract references to the pub and Ms Barry.
“Its theme is based on notions of recovery and rebirth. It even has an abstract replica of Mary’s bar, in the same location, where people can and reminisce.”
Award judges said Mary’s Place, which beat many large entrants from down south, like the Sydney Metro City Stations, demonstrated that an impressive outcome could be achieved with a clear place vision and high aspirations, a small budget and a willingness to tailor design to support local implementation.
“This place-specific design approach is a model for reviving local economies and strengthening community,” they said.
Mr Rayner said the team designed Mary’s Place with an eye on initiating a wider program of urban enrichment over time as a pivotal space between Dalby’s two main parklands – Thomas Jack Park to the north-west and Myall Creek to the south-east.
He said the planning led to Thomas Jack Park being the site for the new Dalby Cultural Centre.
“Together, the three places will interconnect Dalby’s civic, social, recreational and cultural life.”
Mr Rayner said Mary’s Place facilitated multiple activities, including outdoor movies and digital art shows, markets, civic gatherings and community events.
“Mary’s bar enables people to reminisce, and the people of Dalby have their first true social heart.”
He said often regional towns had little funds to create new public realms and, in this case, only $3 million was available to revitalise the 2500m2 space.
“This was achieved by judicious positioning of facilities, economical use of materials and engagement of a local builder employing local trades.”
