City Centre takes shape as Mount Barker grows
The project is intended to help Mount Barker keep pace with the district’s growing population by bringing more services, jobs, education opportunities and public spaces into the heart of the town.
Bulk earthworks for the Town Square are now well underway, with Mount Barker District Council currently seeking tenders for the landscaping works. The square is expected to be completed in mid-2027.
Once finished, it will provide a new public gathering space for the community and a venue for events, markets and other activities.
Mount Barker District Council Mayor David Leach said the broader City Centre project was an important investment in the district’s future.
“We want more of the services, education and employment opportunities our community needs to be available locally, while creating a city centre where people genuinely want to spend time,” Mayor Leach said.
“This is a key strategic investment that will deliver new services for our growing community, attract significant private investment and create local employment – enabling more people to live, work and play without leaving the district.”
Mount Barker District Council has also reached a key milestone for the next stage of the development, endorsing the business case and prudential review for a proposed Council-owned civic and co-working facility and two-storey public car park.
The prudential review considered the project’s strategic alignment, development plans, revenue projections, consultation and Council’s capacity to deliver the project.
The council can now progress to the next phase of building design and work to secure key tenancies, including opportunities to provide co-working and tertiary education services from the site.
Remaining requirements relating to project delivery are expected to be addressed through a development agreement between the council and development partner Burke Urban Investments (BUI), anticipated later this year.
The council estimates its net capital investment in future stages of the City Centre at $44.74 million, which has been incorporated into its current Long Term Financial Plan.
Mayor Leach said the council had undertaken the necessary financial and prudential work before progressing the project.
“Council has done its due diligence and is satisfied the investment can be accommodated while maintaining a sustainable long-term financial position where the general rate does not exceed the forecast CPI over the next 10-years,” he said.
Burke Urban Investments is also progressing plans for private development across the site, including retail and office accommodation and a new food and beverage venue on the corner of Hutchinson and Morphett streets.
Burke Urban Managing Director Kym Burke said the Town Square would provide the foundation for further development and activity within the precinct.
“The Town Square is the first major piece of the City Centre to take shape and will help establish the type of active, people-focused precinct we want to create,” Mr Burke said.
“We see significant potential in the City Centre and are progressing plans for new retail, office and hospitality opportunities that will complement Council’s investment and bring more activity into the centre of Mount Barker.”
The Town Square will be the first major public space delivered as part of the City Centre, with further stages to progressively bring new services, businesses, education and employment opportunities into central Mount Barker.
Mayor Leach said the long-term aim is to create a stronger regional centre where more of the things a growing community needs can be found locally, while encouraging further private investment in Mount Barker.
