Centre Masterplan

Mount Barker is one of South Australia’s fastest growing regions and an increasingly significant regional centre within the Adelaide Hills. The district has undergone sustained population and economic growth over the past two decades, transforming from a township into a rapidly evolving regional city.

The pace and scale of the growth has introduced new challenges and opportunities. Infrastructure demand has intensified, expectations around urban amenity have evolved, and the town centre’s role has expanded beyond its traditional function as a local main street into that of a broader city centre serving a regional catchment.

Following a multi-staged community engagement process spanning 12 months, a Mount Barker Centre Masterplan (Masterplan) was endorsed at the August 2026 Council meeting. The Masterplan responds to the significant demographic, economic and spatial changes that have occurred over the past decade. It recognises that the centre must now function not only as a focal point for the local community, but as a dynamic and resilient city centre that supports continued growth, fosters economic development, and enhances the overall liveability of the district.

The Masterplan establishes a long-term vision to guide the growth and evolution of the Mount Barker centre and includes the development of two key precincts being the Dunn and Bickle Precinct and Mann Street Civic and Cultural Precinct.

Dunn and Bickle Precinct

The Dunn and Bickle precinct is an important area for open space, recreation and biodiversity for the community.

It will serve as an active green and recreation corridor on the north-eastern edge of Mount Barker’s city centre, providing a balance of ecological restoration, informal recreation, and organised sport. Its role is to deliver high-quality, inclusive, and accessible open space that supports community wellbeing while reinforcing the precinct’s environmental and cultural significance.

Mann Street Civic and Cultural Precinct

The Mann Street Civic and Cultural Precinct will serve as Mount Barker’s civic, cultural and administrative hub, anchoring the city centre and reinforcing its role as the primary destination for community life, government services and cultural expression.

The precinct is envisioned as a vibrant, mixed-use environment that integrates civic functions, cultural facilities and active commercial frontages within a cohesive and accessible urban setting. It will accommodate a consolidated civic and administration centre alongside a co-located library and community facility, supporting efficient service delivery and a strong civic presence.

Read the Mount Barker Centre Masterplan

Regional Skate Park Location

At the same time as consulting on the draft Masterplan, the community feedback was sought on a preferred location for a regional skatepark. The location chosen and subsequently endorsed by Council is Flaxley Road Reserve next to Keith Stephenson Park.

The Annual Business Plan 2026/27 includes provision for the design phase of the regional skate park.