Dalby: Mary's Place, 120 Cunningham Street

Project typeOutdoor Public Space
Project scheduleCompleted
Completion Date19 August 2023

Western Downs Regional Council has delivered a brand-new public space at 120 Cunningham Street (formerly Mary's Commercial Hotel site), creating a vibrant, exciting and energised town centre.

The 120 Cunningham Street project is one of several major projects Council has fast tracked under its COVID-19 Recovery Package to secure and create jobs and boost the liveability of the Western Downs.

The project has transformed the site into a spectacular public space to be enjoyed day and night, activating the town centre and encouraging residents and visitors to come together and explore our region.

Following community feedback and a thorough selection process, Council endorsed the concept design (pictured) submitted by Queensland architectural firm Blight Rayner. Western Downs company New State Builders were contracted to build the project.

NEWS: Local legend to be immortalised by new public space!

The legacy of Mary Barry and Mary's Commercial Hotel, once both Dalby icons, are set to be forever immortalised following Council's resolution to name the new public development at 120 Cunningham Street, "Mary's Place".

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In November 2022, Council called upon the community to offer their suggestions for a meaningful and inspiring name for this exciting community space. Through online and paper survey submissions, Council received 162 submissions!

Overwhelmingly the community valued the contributions and legacy of Mary Barry and the iconic Mary's Commercial Hotel. Once complete, the 120 Cunningham Street project will include a tribute to Mary Barry featuring an abstract replica of the Commercial Hotel's famous bar.

Mary Barry Tribute - We need your help:

To create a meaningful tribute to Mary Barry we are calling on the community to send Council your memories, stories, or photos of Mary Barry or the Commercial Hotel.

View the form

Click here to view form.

If you want to get in touch about the project, phone 1300 COUNCIL (268 624) or email info@wdrc.qld.gov.au

Key Features:

Colourful flowered arbours connecting Cunningham and Archibald Streets
Outdoor screen for movies, art shows and other video content
Spectacular light show to activate the space at night and work in with artworks
Abstract replica of the Commercial Hotel's famous bar
Main plaza for events
Spaces to encourage new local eateries and temporary food vendors

Project Status: Complete

August 2023 - Project Complete

January 2023 - April 2023

Steel Pavilion has been erected and roof has been installed
Installation of fixed street furniture
Arbour 1 erected
Installation of lighting
Pathways and retaining walls have commenced

January 2023 - Council resolves to name the site "Mary's Place"

At January's Ordinary Meeting of Council, the name "Mary's Place" was officially adopted for the site at 120 Cunningham Street, in recognition of the importance and legacy of Mary Barry and Mary's Commercial Hotel to the community and town of Dalby.

December 2022 - Community Engagement Closed

November 2022 - Community Engagement - Naming 120 Cunningham Street
Community invited to provide suggestions for a name for the location that would be meaningful and inspiring

November 2022 - December 2022

Concrete works underway throughout site
Structural steel installation

September - October 2022

120 Cunningham Street footpath closed for the duration of the project
Underground services are being installed
Structural steel for the canopy, Mary's Bar and the Arbours are under fabrication
Concrete works set to commence

August - September 2022 - Earthworks in progress
The site has been cleared and existing foundations removed, foundations for Mary's Bar and Arbour 1 are underway and storm water installation has commenced.

July 2022 - Earthworks commenced

June 2022 - Works Commenced
Works on the site have commenced.

21 April 2022 - Blight Rayner endorsed by Council to complete detailed design for construction

February 2022 - Detailed designs unveiled, out to tender for construction
Detailed designed have been completed by Blight Rayner.

9 December 2021 - Concept design endorsed by Council:
A concept design developed by renowned Queensland architectural firm Blight Rayner, which will see a spectacular 'town heart' created on the former Mary's Commercial Hotel site. A detailed design will now be developed to ensure the project is shovel ready for funding from other levels of government.