We're building a Town Square - March 2026
Bulk earthworks are set to begin on Mount Barker’s long-vacant City Centre site, marking the next step in transforming the land bounded by Hutchinson Street, Morphett Street, Stephen Street and Druids Avenue into a permanent town square.
The temporary Pop-Up Park has been dismantled as the project transitions into site preparation and bulk earthworks ahead of major construction, anticipated to begin in July. Completion of the town square is forecast for early 2027.
The 2,000 square metre town square is designed to accommodate both small to medium-sized events and everyday community use. Plans include a central boulevard, a stage and performance lawn, varied seating options, an interactive area adjacent to hospitality, and a mix of native and ornamental plantings. A new plaza connection between Hutchinson and Stephen Streets, providing pedestrian and vehicle access and a flexible area for larger events will also be included in this first stage.
The design has been refined following input from the council’s Community Reference Group and Council Members, while retaining all key elements of the endorsed concept.
Accessibility has been prioritised to ensure it is welcoming and usable for all members of the community.
The circa $5 million project ($2 million funded from State Government) forms part of the broader City Centre masterplan endorsed by the council in October 2024, following several iterations developed through a partnership with Burke Urban Investments (BUI) to stimulate local employment and investment while delivering integrated community facilities.
Council and BUI have finalised key land transactions to enable the first stage of development to proceed.
The cottage on the corner of Morphett and Hutchinson Street, now owned by BUI, will be demolished to enable the broader site works and future activation of the retail frontage.
BUI Director Kym Burke said updated flood modelling, based on Australian Rainfall and Runoff (2024) and planning requirements in relation to climate change impacts, made retention of the building unfeasible.
“Whilst I had always desired to keep the structures adjacent the intersection and had completed plans for that retention at considerable cost, the latest adopted flood modelling made it impractical, non-viable and likely uninsurable,” Mr Burke said.
“In the end, demolition is a necessary step in delivering the approved masterplan vision for the site and creates an opportunity to redevelop the corner, so it better addresses the Hutchinson and Morphett Street frontages and ensures the long-term success of the development.”
The endorsed masterplan includes a food and beverage tenancy on the corner of Morphett and Hutchinson Streets to support activation of the Town Square.
A major public artwork will form an integral part of the landscaped square. Following a competitive expression of interest process, South Australian artist Jason Sims’ concept, inspired by Mount Barker Summit/Womma Mukurta, has been selected.
This landmark holds cultural significance for the Peramangk people and is widely recognised by the broader community. The proposed reflective sculpture is designed as an interpretive work rather than a literal replica, encouraging interaction and allowing visitors to see themselves reflected within it.
Acting Mayor Rowan Voogt said the shift from temporary activation to permanent infrastructure represented a significant milestone.
“This project has been carefully planned and refined with input from our Council Members, Community Reference Group and the Peramangk Aboriginal Council.
“We look forward to seeing people attending events, meeting friends, enjoying performances and making this space their own.”
As part of the transition, trees, furniture and artwork from the Pop-Up Park have been relocated across the district, and public Wi-Fi will be repositioned within the CBD to maintain access. The small public car park accessed from Stephen Street will close once bulk earthworks begin, with alternative parking arrangements to be communicated.
