The redevelopment of the former Commercial Hotel site in Dalby has taken out two top honours at the Australian Institute of Landscape Architects (AILA) Queensland Awards announced last week.
Western Downs Regional Council's vibrant Dalby urban community space Mary's Place picked up the Landscape Architecture Award for Civic Landscape and the Queensland Regional Achievement Award.
Western Downs Regional Council Mayor Andrew Smith said the two-year project had received overwhelming support from the Dalby community for the creation of a meaningful and inspiring public square to honour the former Commercial Hotel and its iconic long-time owner Mary Barry.
"These awards belong very much to the wider Dalby community, who were so eager to partner with Council to create a meaningful modern landscape in tribute to the history of the Commercial Hotel and long-time publican Mary Barry," he said.
"The Dalby community was heartbroken when we lost our much-loved Commercial Hotel to fire in 2018 and what makes this project special is the way it celebrates fond memories of Mary and her iconic country pub.
"Near Cunningham Street, there's an abstract replica of the old hotel bar, a place to sit, relax, connect, and belong, just as the old hotel bar was.
"The replica bar also features dedicated power points to charge phones and other devices.
"Mary's famous words 'Happy Days Love' can be found nearby, welcoming new and returning visitors alike."
Specialist design consultants Blight Rayner, Wild Studio, Firefly Pointofview and Lincoln Austin delivered the design phase of the project on behalf of Council with construction undertaken by local firm New State Builders.
"Prior to its redevelopment, the site had a long, proud history as a popular meeting place where people could relax and enjoy each other's company," Cr Smith said.
"Mary's Place is a wonderful, community led space for people to connect and explore Dalby's CBD and free outdoor movies are held in the central plaza at dusk once a month."
