Hahndorf Main Street upgrade to boost local tourism economy given appoval
A $6 million revitalisation of Hahndorf’s iconic main street could start as early as next year – if the council can find the money to pay for it – after plans were approved last night.
Adelaide Hills
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Final plans for a $6 million upgrade to Hahndorf’s historic main street have been approved by Mount Barker Council.
The plans include new paved footpaths, new trees and garden beds and better lighting.
They also include highly sought-after extra parking spaces, public art, seating and signage along the 1.2km strip.
The council has set aside $3 million but would still need funding help from the state and federal governments to fund the remaining $3 million to complete the project.
The German-themed town welcomes more than one million visitors each year but the strip has not had a major upgrade in two decades.
If funding can be secured, works could start in early 2021.
According to a council report, the new-look main street is anticipated to inject $3.5 million annually into the local economy and attract more visitors to the region.
In 2018, Mount Barker District Council endorsed the widely consulted Hahndorf Township Plan, which identified the beautification of the main street as a key priority.
It also found that failure to renew the street could jeopardise the current and forecasted employment of 878 workers, and a projected economic return of $134 million annually.
However, according to Mayor Ann Ferguson, the project’s feasibility depended on significant government funding, leveraged by the council’s own expenditure.
So far, no state or federal funding has been pledged.
“Funding Hahndorf is a necessity as it’s the most visited town in South Australia,” she said.
“This upgrade is another step forward in cementing Mount Barker as the most sought-after district in the Hills.”
A State Government spokesperson said it had yet to receive a formal funding submission from the council.
“The State Government is yet to receive a formal proposal from the local council and will need to consider the details of any proposal before exploring funding opportunities.”