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Maryborough warehouse transformed to house Gatakers Creative Space for booming arts scene

Trevor Spohr hopes the new Gatakers Creative Space welcomes artists to the region.  (ABC Wide Bay: Brad Marsellos)

Once known for its many watering holes, opium dens and brothels, this Queensland town is being transformed into a working space for artists.

Observant visitors can still notice the signs of the wild and vibrant times when Maryborough's port provided an entry point into the state during the gold rush of the 1800s.

There are a lot of pubs in Maryborough — not just one on every corner, but several on every block.

Built during the 1800s gold rush, Gatakers Creative Space processed those arriving at Maryborough port.  (Supplied: Gatakers Creative Space)

Local artists have created street art that tips the hat to some of the more interesting characters from the city's golden era, including the Inspector of Nuisances and a Polish beer baron.

But it's the incredible historic buildings that really hint at the money that once flowed through the streets.

The space will be used to attract artists into Maryborough's CBD. (ABC Wide Bay: Brad Marsellos)

After years of being overlooked, Maryborough's built environment is getting a new lease on life as the Fraser Coast Regional Council (FCRC) transforms them into public spaces.

"People want to really get in touch with being creative in one shape or form," said FCRC senior arts coordinator Trevor Spohr.

The most recent project converted the former Netterfield and Palmer warehouse into a space designed to inspire and encourage local artists, now named Gatakers Creative Space.

This Kent St shop sells work from local artists. (ABC Wide Bay: Brad Marsellos)

With a clay space, print room, digital installation abilities, workshops and artisan shop, the building's renovation was practical while celebrating a time when pioneers and sailors would purchase and load supplies at the site.

The original staircase was uncovered in the renovation and is preserved below a modern staircase.  (ABC Wide Bay: Brad Marsellos)

"We had some architects up from Brisbane and they told us it is one of the most intact warehouses of its type in the country," Mr Spohr said.

"Everyone wants to move in here now."

'Paradise' for artists

Monumental canvases are sprawled across the timber floor in the warehouse loft and a woman is hunched over one, splashing paint in large colourful spirals.

Ms McLean likens the space to something from Paris or New York. (ABC Wide Bay: Brad Marsellos)

Maryborough artist Sue Mclean was the first to take advantage of Gatakers Creative Space, working on her Earth Beneath Our Feet series which celebrates microbes.

Ms Mclean was overwhelmed to have access to a large contemporary space in which to paint.

The Maryborough space inspires artist Ms McLean. (ABC Wide Bay: Brad Marsellos)

"This is truly paradise," she said.

"I've done residencies before and they have been in small confined spaces.

An original timber beam from the building on display, along with photos taken during the renovation. (ABC Wide Bay: Brad Marsellos)

Cast iron Roman columns, an ornate cedar staircase and a vaulted hoop pine ceiling — most likely sourced when timber was still cut from the World Heritage-listed K'gari Fraser Island — have all been preserved and highlighted in the space.

But the biggest benefit of the makeover, according to Mr Spohr, was that local artists now had place in which to work and meet.

A printing press from 1867 is available for the community to use at Gatakers Creative Space. (ABC Wide Bay: Brad Marsellos)

"That is what this space is about," he said.

"If you are a beginner, or an advanced artist, a professional, this space is open to anybody that wants to use it."

Community space a 'second home' 

For Ms Mclean, having access to the space motivated her to focus on her artwork and she pointed to a broader impact on regional Queensland artists.

"High ceilings, huge walls to paint on, it's a sense of place that stimulates you to want to paint better," she said.

The loft space shows the potential of Maryborough CBD's empty building spaces, according to Mr Sphor. (ABC Wide Bay: Brad Marsellos)

"I think this space has many opportunities for everyone."

Mr Spohr hoped the space would become a second home for the local community.

Mr Sphor in Gatakers Creative Space's clay art section. (ABC Wide Bay: Brad Marsellos)

But he also wanted its use to be led by residents, allowing them to decide what happened inside the building.

"People will be able to be a part of a bigger picture," Mr Spohr said.

"We are open to suggestions on what this space can be used for."

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