Blight Rayner’s Michael Rayner discusses Dalby’s CBD project

‘Golden opportunity’: A renowned Queensland architect chosen to lead the transformation of the site of Mary’s Pub in Dalby, has vowed to bring ‘happy days’ into the CBD.

ARCHITECTURAL FINESSE: Michael Rayner is responsible for the Queensland Supreme and District Courts, the Kurilpa Bridge, the seven post-flood ferry terminals and 111 Eagle Street. Picture: Lyndon Mechielsen/The Australian

The critically acclaimed Queensland architect chosen to lead the transformation of the site of Mary’s Pub said the project was a “golden opportunity” for Dalby.

Plans for a proposed community hub were approved by Western Downs Regional Council (WDRC) on December 9, 2020, with renowned architecture firm Blight Rayner chosen to develop the site.

Located at the former site of Mary’s Pub on 120 Cunningham Street, the concept design promises to create a social hub, featuring colourful floral arbours connecting Cunningham Street and Archibald Street, an outdoor digital screen for movies, digital art shows and other video content.

An artist's impression of the view from Cunningham St at the new development on 120 Cunningham St, Dalby. Picture: WDRC

It will also include a main plaza for events and spaces to encourage new local eateries and temporary food trucks, as well as a stand-alone abstract replica of the Commercial Hotel’s famous bar, with Mary Barry’s famous words ‘happy days luv’ inscribed.

Blighter Rayner’s Michael Rayner, who has 34 years’ experience in architecture is one of the firm's directors, and had personally indicated he will be leading the project.

Some of their notable projects include the new National Rugby Training Centre at Ballymore, the new performing arts venue at QPAC, Griffith University’s Nathan Campus, and the Gympie Civic and Cultural Precinct Master plan, to name just a few.

Mr Rayner said he was initially alerted to Dalby’s city centre plan while he was on the Queensland Urban Design and Places Panel.

An artist's impression of the view down Epiphyte Spine at the new development on 120 Cunningham St, Dalby. Picture: WDRC

“That panel, and my life has been about creating better public spaces, and more importantly, to have a lasting legacy and value to communities,” Mr Rayner said.

“They’re often pretty rare projects … I find it really fascinating, and I get more meaning from these projects that are purely about community spirit and wellbeing.”

The veteran architect said the site of Mary’s Pub was a “golden opportunity” for Dalby.

“There’s a massive responsibility here as it’s the town heart, and pulse of Dalby,” he said.

“The other alluring thing is the story of Mary Barry and her contribution to the town.”

Mr Rayner said the firm would be drawing on the inspiration of regeneration and renewal, following the devastating fire that tore through the pub in 2018, destroying the beautiful building.

“Just that notion of regeneration is really interesting to me, where we can’t bring back Mary, but you can bring back her memories,” he said.

“That gave a strong theme to the design of the project.”

An artist's impression of the main square at the new development on 120 Cunningham St, Dalby. Picture: WDRC

He said the firm had also considered the harsh effects of the drought, and the other struggles regional Queensland has been through.

“This notion of regeneration linked me to the idea of recreating the memory of Mary, with her wonderful quote of ‘happy days luv’,” he said.

“The happy days have moved on, but the happy memories remain.

“This is where we’ll be trying the theme of recreating those memories.”

Local contractors and materials will be used as much as possible according to Mr Rayner, who stated there will be a “huge emphasis” to ensure the project can be completed with material from regional areas in the Western Downs.

“The use of local labour is an important part of the process going forward, as it’s meant to generate economic benefits through tourism, and I hope this would regenerate the shops surrounding the project too,” he said.

Mr Rayner said he’ll be closely working with two colleague architects who also have ties to Dalby.