Mount Barker Council buys $2.3m piece of land in Hahndorf main street as it considers carpark

The tourism hotspot’s main street has long been clogged with traffic – now Mount Barker Council has spent $2.3m on a piece of prime land and has a plan.

Mount Barker Council has bought this piece of land at 108 Mount Barker Rd, Hahndorf, and may turn it into a carpark.

Mount Barker Council has bought a piece of prime land in Hahndorf’s main street for $2.3m and is considering a carpark - among other options - as it tackles the town’s traffic problems.

A Park N Ride at Verdun, serviced by a shuttle bus to Hahndorf, is also under examination.

The tourism town’s main street is notorious for its lack of parking, with cars regularly lining both sides of the road.

Late last year, the federal government stripped funding from a $250m Hahndorf township upgrade, while in August, heavy vehicle were banned from the main street and redirected up nearby River Rd in a move to help traffic flow.

Locals are pushing for a ring route to allow cars to dodge the main street completely – a proposed freeway bypass was also scrapped in 2023.

Now council has bought the 4100 sqm piece of land at 108 Mount Barker Rd – adjacent to the existing gravel carpark at the Verdun end.

Council documents show $2.7m set aside under the Hahndorf Main Street Upgrade project could be reallocated for the land.

A confidential staff report now publicly released reveals council was offered the land for $2.55m, but it was valued at $1.9m.

Early designs show between 88-95 car parks could be developed, costing between $750,000 and $925,000. The land could also be used for commercial or retail options and community consulation will take place first.

An existing building on the land may be kept for commercial or retail lease opportunities and has previously been subject to proposed wellness businesses.

Council did not say if the parks would be timed or paid

CEO Andrew Stuart said the land could service a Park N Ride at Verdun with a shuttle bus to Hahndorf, which had been discussed for years with the state government and Adelaide Hills Council.

“Such a facility would be linked to Hahndorf and could greatly assist carparking supply and demand issues,” he said.

“A Park N Ride facility at Verdun is a preferred option due to its proximity to the freeway and existing bus routes. It would be able to better cater for the supply and demand issues within Hahndorf.”

The clogged main street in Hahndorf. Picture: Emma Brasier

Mr Stuart said the land could also accommodate larger vehicles such as RVs and caravans within a purpose-designed and unconstrained site.

South Ward Councillor Narelle Hardingham said council had recognised an opportunity to capitalise on the potential for future development and enhancement of Hahndorf.

“The acquired land is zoned Township Main Street, offering versatile possibilities for redevelopment, including retail and commercial ventures,” she said.

“This flexibility aligns with our vision to foster a dynamic and thriving Main Street that meets the evolving needs of our community and visitors.

“Prior to any redevelopment, the council will engage in comprehensive master planning, ensuring that any future developments align with the community’s vision and values. Community input will be sought and valued throughout this process.”

Mr Stuart said there wasn’t one single remedy for Hahndorf’s carparking issues.

“Council staff are undertaking further due diligence and discussions to prioritise this with the state government and progress concepts to enable further consideration,” Mr Stuart said.

Originally published as Mount Barker Council buys $2.3m piece of land in Hahndorf main street as it considers carpark