Project Introduction
City Collective envisioned the Mount Barker City Centre Catalyst project, a cultural and civic centre in Mount Barker, creating a walkable, resilient town centre that integrates community, entertainment, employment, and housing. The precinct fosters social connection, economic activity, and long-term liveability, establishing a vibrant, active civic heart for the town.
Key Project Challenges
The project aimed to create an active town centre integrating inclusive, affordable housing within a dense mixed-use precinct. Balancing retail, civic, performing arts, library, and residential uses required careful design to ensure vibrancy while maintaining resident safety, comfort, privacy, and accessibility for the wider community.
Key Project Innovations
Strategic urban design guided the project’s success, orienting residential buildings toward tree-lined Druids Street while connecting to the active town plaza. Retail and civic uses were zoned opposite, prioritizing pedestrian flow. Safe, inclusive pathways unify the precinct, creating a cohesive mixed-use centre that serves local needs and aligns with state planning goals.
Client
Burke Urban, Mount Barker District Council
Location
Mount Barker, SA, AU
Primary sector
Urban Design & City Planning
Value
$250M AUD
Project years
2023
Services provided
Urban Design, Architecture, City Planning, Landscape Architecture, Interior Design
Project team
Project Director – David Cooke
Design Lead – Justin Kearnan
