First look at Mount Barker town square as Burke Urban Investments named development partner

A multimillion dollar project to transform a long under-utilised site in Mount Barker into a European-style town square is one step closer to construction.

After more than a decade of failed plans and speculation, Mount Barker’s anticipated town square is a step closer to construction.

Mount Barker District Council has named Burke Urban Investments as its preferred development partner, following an expression of interest campaign to deliver the project.

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The council did not provide final costs, except to say the project would be worth tens of millions of dollars.

While a construction date is yet to be set, the partnership will see the creation of a European-style town square on a long under-utilised site along Hutchinson Street, complete with a new library, an innovation hub and a civic office.

The proposal also include more than 4000 sqm of office space, a hotel, residential units and a market shed that combines retail, food and beverage outlets.

A concept image of Mount Barker's new town square

Mount Barker mayor Ann Ferguson said the project had been a long time coming and would create more than 400 permanent jobs in the process.

“A town square has long been advocated by the community; a place where events and everyday gatherings may take place,” she said.

She said the town square would benefit the growing town.

Burke Urban Investments, formed by South Australian business leaders Kym Burke and Con Tragakis, is part of the Burke Urban Group.

Mount Barker Mayor Ann Ferguson with Burke Urban Investments Director Kym Burke.

Burke Urban was also behind the Waterford project on Springs Road and more recently the award-winning Newenham Estate on Flaxley Road.

“The added employment and economic activity the development of this project can bring to the town centre is significant and we look forward to further strengthening the position of Mount Barker as an activity centre for the region,” Mr Burke said.

Council will now commence a more detailed feasibility study around the proposal.

Community consultation will also be conducted in early to mid-2021.