Final designs have been unveiled for Dalby’s 120 Cunningham St revitalisation project ahead of works commencing in May.

The project is out to tender for construction.

It will see the former Mary Barry Commercial Hotel site transformed into a community space for residents and visitors.

Western Downs Regional Council Mayor Paul McVeigh said the project would deliver an exciting and modern space that would drive activity in Dalby’s town centre.

“This project is about activating Dalby’s main street and creating a space that our community can enjoy right throughout the year, while offering a beautiful spot for visitors to explore and unwind,” Cr McVeigh said.

“Renowned Queensland architectural firm Blight Rayner has completed the detailed designs for the project, which have been created with special attention to the Western Downs region and the historic significance of the site.

“This site is about bringing a ‘wow’ factor to Cunningham Street, with a range of innovative features to draw people in during the day and night and celebrate everything that makes the Western Downs such a wonderful place to live and visit.

“One of the centrepieces of the new space will be the outdoor projector screens which will have the ability to display digital art and convert into an outdoor cinema for community movie nights and regional promotion.

“Some other fantastic features include vibrant arbours, colourful lighting, carefully selected flowers, shrubs and trees to suit our climate, a range of seating, tables, water misting fans to cool the area down, and space for food trucks and market stalls.”

Cr McVeigh said honouring Mary Barry’s memory was a key part of the design, with a dedicated replica of the Commercial Hotel’s front bar to be installed, along with Mary Barry’s famous phrase ‘Happy Days Luv’.

The project is being delivered in partnership with the Queensland Government’s Works 4 Queensland Program.