Mary Inc slams Fraser Coast council draft design for CBD green space

Mary Inc is far from impressed with the council’s draft design for redevelopment of the Maryborough CBD’s famous “green space” in Kent Street.

Too much concrete, too modern and not enough “green” or “space” - that is the response to the initial draft design for the development of the small park opposite City Hall in Kent Street, from Maryborough’s Mary Inc.

“Too much concrete, too modern and not enough green or space” - that is the response to the initial draft design for the development of the small park opposite City Hall in Kent Street, from Maryborough’s Mary Inc.

The not-for-profit-organisation’s vice-president and CityScape leader Nancy Bates said the Fraser Coast Regional Council move to develop the site was welcome but the initial design was not sympathetic to the heritage heart nor in line with the desire of the people who signed a record petition to keep the “green space”.

“Mary Inc. was heavily involved in saving the green space as an open area and preserving the picturesque view of the City Hall,” Ms Bates said.

“The plan has some good points, including a shared walkway across Kent Street that will help link the town hall green on one side of the City Hall and memorial lawn on the other.

Too much concrete, too modern and not enough “green” or “space” - that is the response to the initial draft design for the development of the small park opposite City Hall in Kent Street, from Maryborough’s Mary Inc.

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“However, we urge citizens who fought to save the area from having a modern building on it, blocking the views, to take a close look at the new design and see if it fits their vision.

“We feel there needs to be feedback to suggest we should retain both the ‘green’ and the ‘space’ by amending a council plan to concrete over much of the area.”

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Ms Bates said Mary Inc. had submitted a feedback report based on comments from dozens of residents who responded to a campaign to seek suggestions about how the green space should be developed.

“Many of those ideas are reflected in the report that accompanied the masterplan but not in the actual design,” she said.

“The design only in part synchronises with Mary Inc.’s initial report based on the community feedback.

Too much concrete, too modern and not enough “green” or “space” - that is the response to the initial draft design for the development of the small park opposite City Hall in Kent Street, from Maryborough’s Mary Inc.

“That had an interesting mix of sculpture, heritage seating and umbrella shade structures that would not block the views and would keeping the sense of green space.

“Much hesitation is felt about the amount of concrete and modern style of design. The use of trees is also concerning as wrong placement could destroy the core reason for the community campaign – preservation of the views and open green space.

“The council’s formal feedback process has now started. Mary Inc. has already submitted a written response.

“We are eager to see the development of the green space reach its potential to become an iconic quarter in the city, one that attracts tourists and residents alike as a gathering place, a popular pedestrian thoroughfare and a restful, cultural experience.

The draft masterplan for development of the Maryborough Old Admin Site can be viewed at https://www.frasercoast.qld.gov.au/downloads/file/5051/maryborough-old-admin-site-masterplan .

The council has also created an online feedback portal at https://frasercoast.engagementhub.com.au/mb-admin-site-masterplan .

Ms Bates said she hoped people would go online to put forward their views or attend the information kiosks outside the City Hall at market days during March.

Another feedback kiosk will be at Schultz Park, Tinana, from 3-4.30pm on Wednesday, March 20. The kiosks will have hard copy feedback forms for those who do not wish to use the online portal.

Too much concrete, too modern and not enough “green” or “space” - that is the response to the initial draft design for the development of the small park opposite City Hall in Kent Street, from Maryborough’s Mary Inc.

“We hope people will help us create something that becomes a signature landmark in Maryborough by adding their thoughts to the feedback process,” she said.

“The council is also inviting citizens to comment on the future use of the former baby clinic, where expressions of interest are being sought.

“The Maryborough Regional Art Society is keen to set up its gallery there. The Maryborough historical society is also keen to link to the green space with access to the back of the School of Arts building. Mary Inc. favours both proposals.”