Hahndorf-style 20-year-plan for Callington includes land rezoning, new walking trails and community sports hub
Plans are under way to turn the tiny historic Hills town of Callington into “little Hahndorf”, with new walking trails, a community sports hub, cafes and gift shops.
Adelaide Hills
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A community sports hub and restaurant, walking trails and improved business and tourism opportunities are part of a 20-year vision for a historic mining town in the Adelaide Hills.
Mount Barker District Council will tonight vote to adopt the Callington Township Plan, which would be used to guide the town’s future and boost ecomonic activity.
It would be run in collaboration with Murray Bridge Council, which shares responsibility for Callington.
The plan includes new walking trails along the Bremer River, improvements to the Callington Recreation Grounds, new seating and shelter at Murray St Reserve and rezoning of land to promote opportunities for employment in horticulture and agriculture industries.
It is hoped a community sports hub with a 120-seat restaurant and bar, scheduled for completion in November, will help attract additional vistitors and sporting events to the town.
In a report to the council, Strategic Projects, Planning and Policy acting team leader Nathan Franklin said the final plan followed a rigorous community consultation phase.
“Implementation of the plan is envisaged to occur over a 20-year period with staging and timing subject to available future funding via council and community initiatives, grants and asset renewal programs,” Mr Franklin said.
“Should council endorse the final Callington Township Plan the plan will be forwarded to the Rural City Murray Bridge for their endorsement.”
Mount Barker District Council declined to provide additional comment outside of the report.
Callington local Paul Johnston said the plan had been a long time coming and would build on the success of several large events the town already hosted, including the Callington Show and the Motorcycle Riders Association of SA Toy Run.
“Outside of that, however, things are pretty quiet and we’d really like to see that changed,” Mr Johnston said.
“We want those heritage aspects of the town kept but there’s no doubt that well thought-out development could occur to drive more job opportunities for locals and the wider region.
“One of these developments is our new community sports hub, which is being built as we speak.
“It will have a bar, meeting rooms, and restaurant and will be a great space to host events but also things like weddings as it’s located in a beautiful spot.”
Fellow Callington local Rose Ashton said the vision could help the town become a must-visit tourist destination.
“I think you could say that some people want Callington to become a little Hahndorf,” she said.
“It has a lot of architectural history here and really hasn’t changed a lot over the past 100 years, especially the main street, so the town really is charming.
“While there are some people here that like it quiet, there are others who see a bit more potential, more room for activity and tourism to foster the local economy.
“We’re already offering a history walk but that’s something we’d like to build on and something everyone would like to see. That and maybe a nice cafe and art and gift shops.”
Callington General Store owner Mark Musolino said he hoped the new plan would boost opportunities in the region.
“I’ve definitely noticed more people coming in asking about local walking trails and things to do, so the interest is there,” Mr Musolino said.
“So it’d be great to see more happening in the town as any business is good business and I do think that this plan has been a long time coming.”