On this page:

• Community Engagement
• Timing
• Target Program

About the project

The City Centre will be our community’s new heart at the long time vacant site bounded by Hutchinson Street, Morphett Street, Stephen Street and Druids Avenue.

Responding to community demand for public spaces and local employment opportunities, the project aims to provide a catalytic impact on the local economy and fulfil the need for a central community gathering space in the growing regional city of Mount Barker.

In 2020, Council sought a private sector investment partner through a competitive EOI to stimulate local employment and investment while delivering integrated community facilities in the heart of Mount Barker. BUI was selected for their alignment with project goals and capabilities.

Council owns one-third of the site and will retain key parts post-development. BUI owns the remainder and will facilitate the civic building to be fully owned by Council.

The project will deliver a Town Square, retail and food spaces, Council and Community Living Australia (CLA)  offices with integrated parking, and a hub for community services and accommodation.

Partnering with the private sector developer BUI will increase the quality and vibrancy of the Town Square, with retail and hospitality uses developed around its outer edges and complimentary land uses bringing much needed activity to the site.

Feedback from 2021 and site investigation results have been incorporated into a revised Master Plan, leading to changes such as increased public space, amended car parking arrangements and lower density adjoining the square. Adjustments include removal of basement parking and, multi-deck car park, increased public space, lower density development, and improved retail edges for better precinct activation.

The proposed Town Square is being designed as a place for small to medium events and day-to-day use in Mount Barker Districts. The core area of the town square is 1,500 square metres, however an adjoining piazza has been expanded through the amended master plan, creating a larger, total open space. If required, adjoining roads can also be closed for large events.  Mount Barker’s open space network provides opportunities for the hosting of larger events, with Keith Stephenson Park, Mount Barker Showgrounds and Summit Sports & Recreation Park able to continue playing this role.

Council’s own office accommodation has been an integral element to the feasibility of this project. Council has out-grown its current tenancy at the Home-maker Centre, which it is currently leasing. Reverting back to an ownership model and relocated back to the City Centre represents a significantly improved financial position and has proved the catalyst for Community Living Australia investing significantly into the site and provides the confidence for Burke Urban Investments to attract further private sector interest to the site.

Approximately 290 car parks will be provided on-site, with a priority for site visitors, while there are  existing off-site parking options (Mountain Pool) and new parking areas offsite to accommodate staff parking as the site develops.