Construction to start in January on Mount Barker’s town square, part of $100m City Centre
Work will start early next year on an Adelaide Hills council’s $100m City Centre, as it moves to clear up “false impressions” on social media.
Construction is set to start in January Mount Barker’s $100m City Centre, as the council battles what it calls “false impressions” spread across social media.
Announced in 2021 and having gone through multiple changes, the massive project – in conjunction with investment from development partner Burke Urban – includes a 2000 sqm town square, plaza, retail and dining areas, council-owned building, co-working hub, accommodation and carparking.
Adelaide architect firm JPE Design Studio is now designing stage one, with council’s “immediate focus” on the town square, which aims to be Mount Barker’s new central gathering space.
Final costings for the square will be decided in coming months. The state government has provided $2m for it.
Work will also start on a plaza to connect Hutchinson and Stephen streets, provide accessible parking, drop-off zone and extend the town square for markets and gatherings.
“This stage also includes a privately owned retail corner to activate the street frontage and support a vibrant, people-focused precinct,” a spokesman said.
Last week the council said on Facebook “early indicative concepts” taken from a public meeting were posted online “without context, leading to the false impression that what was shown is the final design”.
It said a “continuing source of misunderstanding” was the future use of the council-owned building and co-working hub, parts of which it intends to lease.
A spokesman said council was still finalising the exact use of space within the civic building, part of stage 1B, adding there was strong interest in the co-working hub,
“But we can confirm only a portion of the building is intended to accommodate council staff,” he said.
“The overall aim is to deliver a multipurpose facility that attracts new business and investment and supports the economic and social vibrancy of the Town Square precinct.
“The amount of space used by council staff will depend on demand from other priority uses, such as co-working spaces, a potential university presence, and community or youth activity areas.
Council has been “encouraged” by interest so far from the tertiary sector.
“Council has long advocated for improved access to tertiary education for our community and is eager to secure a local university presence as part of this precinct,” he said.
Stage 1B also includes offices, retail and about 290 car parks. Paid parking is not being considered, the council said. Stage two involves accommodation and more carparking.
The council will own one-third of the site and retain key portions post-development, while BUI owns the remaining land.
“Completion of the design for Stage 1A will occur across the coming months in preparation for a procurement process to attract a high quality builder,” the spokesman said.
“The final cost for the town square will be determined following completion of detailed design and procurement of a builder.”
Originally published as Construction to start in January on Mount Barker’s town square, part of $100m City Centre
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