Mount Barker council considering proposal for new town square

Construction of a traditional European-style town centre, like Dam Square in Amsterdam, is set to transform Mount Barker.

Construction of a traditional European-style town centre is being considered by Mount Barker District Council.

Mount Barker Council is considering proposals for a new European-style town square, with buildings that wrap around a central courtyard.

Concept plans may includes a plan for multistorey offices, residential and hotel buildings, a library, a new council chambers.

It will form part of the council’s City Centre Renewal Project, which aims to breath new life and opportunities into the Hills.

A town square design proposal put forward to Mount Barker District Council by the local residents association.

Mayor Ann Ferguson said for the multimillion-dollar undertaking to progress, a number of private investors would be needed.

A number of sites for the project are currently being considered.

“It’s a really exciting undertaking and ideally, I’d like to see it all built before the next election in 2022,” Ms Ferguson said.

“It will form part of the City Centre Renewal Project, for which we recently ran a national expressions of interest campaign for to get a number of private investors on board.

“Staff are currently in discussion with final applicants, but that’s all I can say about it as this point as we’re at a sensitive stage in the negotiations.

“What I can say is that the development aims to significantly elevate and transform the role of the centre to have a longstanding impact for the region.”

General Manager of Planning and Development Marc Voortman said the project has been prompted by private sector interest.

“Council has commenced and is still within a competitive expression of interest process, which presents an opportunity for the private sector to put forward proposals to partner with the council in creating a significant and innovative development within our city,” he said.

“Together, there is an opportunity to incorporate community and civic facilities with a range of commercial activities, all of which provide an important economic, employment and place making boost for Mount Barker and beyond.

“This dynamic mix of uses has the potential for a development that significantly elevates and transforms the role of the centre to have a long standing impact for the region.

“Should Council reach a point of selecting a preferred party, community engagement around the proposal and the proposed development will occur, which is critical to the success of the project.”

Mount Barker and District Residents Association Chair Dianne van Eck said the town square project had been a long time coming.

She said the association had been a strong supporter for the square and even contracted a private architect to design a concept plan for the council.

“We’re very much supportive of the town square and will continue to work with the council and developers to deliver what the community wants,” she said.

“We’ve gathered feedback for the council (on the plan), had a concept plan drawn up by local architect Geof Nairn and presented it to council through a deputation.

“We’re now just waiting for the EOI process to be completed so that we can continue the process of working with council to deliver an agreeable outcome.”