Former MyALL107 centre, new Dalby cultural precinct ready for next step following controversial history

After residents put forward their ideas on what should replace the former Myall 107 centre, council has revealed the new site that a brand new cultural precinct will be built along with the next steps.

MyALL 107

Residents are a step closer in receiving a new cultural centre in Dalby after the region was asked to provide their input on what they wanted to see in town.

The community’s feedback came less than a year after residents were left outraged at the Myall 107 centre being demolished with millions of dollars being poured down the drain.

In July 2021 it was announced that a multimillion dollar redevelopment of the Myall 107 would take place with Western Downs Regional Council revealing they would transform the hub to allow for a variety of cultural activities and in doing so closed down the cinema and “temporarily” relocated businesses such as 4DDD Community Radio, the library and the Gallery 107.

Five months later a stop work order was issued and WDRC announced the building would be demolished due to serious structural failings with a spokeswoman saying $2.8 million had already been injected into the redevelopment design.

Western Downs residents have been left angered after almost $3 million was lost to the MyALL 107 redevelopment, with many questioning why serious structural issues weren’t uncovered sooner. Photo/WDRC

Now in 2023 council have shared they are ready to take on the next step after completing the final phase of community consultation and deciding a new location for the cultural precinct which will be taken to Thomas Jack Park.

WDRC said they have also resolved to maintain the former Myall 107 site located on Drayton Street for ongoing considerations around possible future utilisation.

Council spokeswoman for strategic communications and council facilities Megan James said they were impressed with the standard of community feedback.

“This new precinct is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to create new and everlasting cultural benefits to Dalby and the Western Downs, and community input is a critical part of council’s vision for the project,” she said.

Thomas Jack Park Dalby. Picture: Sam Turner

“The feedback gathered through this process has made it really clear that the new centre should be a community-focused space which is inclusive, safe, and social for all age groups, offers multipurpose opportunities with integrated indoor and outdoors spaces, and access to the latest technology.

“The community has told us the new facility should be a central hub to gather, offering iconic building design and creating a new visitor attraction for the region.”

A key part council has noted from community feedback is that residents are open to a range of location options such as Thomas Jack Park, land near the Myall Creek, the former Drayton St site or spread across several locations in the central business area.

Council report they are now working through the community feedback and will decide on the proposed site for the new centre in coming weeks. From there they will go to market for conceptual designs to bring residents’ ideas to life.