First look: Burke Urban Investments unveils $100m plans for new Mt Barker city centre

Detailed plans for a $100m city centre in Mount Barker show for the first time where a hotel, homes, town square, retail areas, library and office building will go. See them here.

The developer behind a $100m plan to transform the heart of Mt Barker has released fresh design images for the project.

Burke Urban Investments is partnering with Mt Barker District Council to develop a 12,000sq m site next to Hutchinson and Morphett streets.

The staged development, which would create 450 direct and indirect jobs during construction, includes a civic office, co-working hub, a recently announced $2m town square, along with space for a new public library.

Other key features are a 4500sq m commercial office, a hotel, residential units, a market shed and retail space for artisans and food and beverage outlets.

The commercial office building in the Mount Barker City Centre masterplan.

An artist impression of the Mount Barker City Centre’s amphitheatre.

Burke Urban Investments Director Kym Burke said the project would create a further 400 permanent jobs once complete.

“This activated city centre will add to the day and night economy with ... an all-year-round destination and meeting place,” he said.

The project is set to become one of the largest public-private partnerships in regional South Australia.

Mt Barker Mayor Ann Ferguson hoped the project would reinforce the town’s position as the primary economic centre in the Adelaide Hills.

The Mount Barker City Centre town square.

An artist impression of the laneway area of the Mount Barker City Centre.

The town square, seen from above.

“Local employment opportunities, improved community facilities and a vibrant city centre are key outcomes we’re looking to realise through this strategic partnership with Burke Urban Investments,” she said.

It is anticipated the project would be formally launched in the first half of next year.

Construction of the first stage – including the town square, market shed, commercial office and civic centre – is expected to start in late 2022.

The new library, which would be subject to state government funding, is being billed as a vital contributor to activating the new town square and providing better services to Mt Barker’s rapidly growing community.

Artist impression of the Mount Barker City Centre town square.

The project’s second stage would include the hotel and residential units, with a completion date set for 2025.

Burke Urban Investments will hold a community forum at Newenham Estate from 10am on Saturday.

It is also inviting expression of interest for prospective tenants for the commercial offices, the hotel, and retail opportunities

For more information visit yoursay.mountbarker.sa.gov.au