Feedback sought on adding baby clinic building to Local Heritage Register

The Fraser Coast Regional Council is calling for feedback on a proposal to place the former Maryborough Baby Clinic on the Fraser Coast Local Heritage Register.

The single-storey building on the corner of Kent and Lennox streets was built around 1923-1924 as part of a government scheme to cut infant deaths.

“Thousands of babies would have passed through the building over the years,” Fraser Coast Mayor George Seymour said.

“Its simple, yet elegant style, forms part of the streetscape of Kent Street and the historic atmosphere of the CBD.”

The Queensland Heritage Council is also considering listing the building on the state heritage register.

In its submission to the Queensland Heritage Council, the Heritage Unit of the Department of Environment and Science described the building as important in demonstrating Queensland’s response to the movement to reduce infant mortality and improve maternal health during the 1920s.

The report also recognised the building’s aesthetic significance through the skilful use of Neo-Georgian architectural stylistic features, symmetrical composition, open central porch with columns, hip roof with flèche, the building is an attractive, well-composed design.

While Council bought the building this year as part of its plans to redevelop the site of the former Council Kent Street administration centre and toy library, the future use of the building has not been decided.

The building would need significant work to bring it up to useable standard.

Works proposed to bring the building to a useable standard could include demolishing an addition to the back of the building and non-functional kitchen, reconfiguring to possibly allow connection to a new development and disability access, flooring upgrades, air conditioning and adding an accessible toilet.

Feedback closes on January 5, 2021 and can be made through the Have Your Say page on the Council website www.frasercoast.qld.gov.au/open-consultation