Mount Barker Council saves trees, cuts underground, multi-level carpark from City Centre plan

A huge city centre in Mount Barker – slated for a prime piece of long-vacant land – has been revised after locals demanded change.

The revised master plan for the proposed Mount Barker City Centre project, which has dumped the multi-level carparking. Picture: Supplied

A multi-level car park has been scrapped from Mount Barker’s proposed city centre project after community feedback and more detailed studies.

Plans for the centre – including a $3m town square, retail and market shed, civic office, community hub, library, residential areas and hotel – have been in motion as far back as 2016, with details released in 2021.

The centre would be built the middle of town on a 12,000sq m section of land that’s long been empty near Hutchinson and Morphett streets.

Mount Barker Council said the plan for underground and multi-level parking had now been dumped, in favour of more public space.

The joint venture with planners Burke Urban Investments will also reduce building heights and save trees along Druids Ave.

The Morphett Street view of the revised Mount Barker City Centre plans.

BUI director Kym Burke said the changes came after community feedback and site challenges.

“We’ve responded to the community’s voice on several fronts, including reducing building heights, consolidating parking within the site, committing to the preservation of Druids Avenue’s trees, and scrapping the planned multi-deck carpark,” he said.

A previously estimated cost of $100m was not confirmed by council, who said costings had not yet been finalised.

The first stage includes the $3m town square, office buildings for council and Community Living Australia and a retail section for artisans and food and beverage outlets in a market square. Two levels of “substantial” parking is included.

The hotel and residential areas are still planned for stage two, while a decision on relocating the library hasn’t been made.

The revised artist impressions for the Mount Barker City Centre.

map of the Pop-Up Park coming to Mount Barker on December 15 and 16, 2023. Picture: Supplied

The community hub plan and cost is still unknown while further consultation continues, a council spokesman said, with that expected to continue early next yet.

Council has also confirmed it will own the civic building, rather than lease it back from BUI.

“Commercial advice has confirmed that adopting this ‘own, don’t lease’ approach, will bring more favourable financial and capital advantages to the council in the long run,” Council’s general manager for planning and community, Marc Voortman, said.

The city centre cost is being shared by council, BUI, and Community Living Australia.

Construction on the town square is hoped to begin in January 2025, with the civic centre and retail corner later in the year.

A two-night mini festival called GET FESTIVE! and pop-up park is scheduled for December 15 and 16 on the site, run by the team of the Royal Croquet Club’s Stirling Fringe event.