What’s next for Kent Street Green Space?

Kent Street Green Space might just be the most talked-about patch of land in Maryborough. Created from the demolition of both the old council administration building and council Toy Library, it’s a work in progress—a green blank slate, waiting for its next chapter.

Sitting on the corner is the former baby clinic, built in 1924 to a standard design as the Queensland Government moved to counter the high mortality rate for infants. After thousands of mothers with babies were given nurturing advice, the clinic closed in the mid-1990s. It is one of only four former clinics remaining.

Controversy erupted over the green space when the Fraser Coast council demolished the old administration building and bought the baby clinic with the intention of knocking it down, making way for a planned new administration building incorporating the library.

Demolishment of the old office building had revealed something unexpected: a patch of green in the city heart with a stunning view of the cherished City Hall, a grand example of American colonial architecture perched in a splendid setting. A remarkable brick wall was exposed on the School of Arts building, with patterns telling tales dating back to 130 years.

Citizens rose up against blocking the view again and losing the green space; others didn’t want the existing library closed and squashed into the new building. A record number signed the petition to the council. Someone quietly put the old baby clinic on the State heritage register. And then the Mary River rose to flood the site twice in early 2022. That settled it.

A concept plan has been developed for a micropark, some interesting ideas are floating around, the baby clinic will survive in some form and, as they say, watch this space. The Green Space.