Mount Barker District Council and Burke Urban (BU) have finalised key land transactions to enable the first stages of the City Centre development. This includes Council purchasing the balance of the site not already in its ownership (excluding the future Stage 2 accommodation site fronting Druids Avenue), and the sale of land at the corner of Morphett and Hutchinson Streets to BU.

Noting the cottage on that corner, owned by BU, will be demolished to allow broader site works to proceed and to support future activation of the retail frontage. Updated flood modelling determined that retaining the building was impractical, non-viable and likely uninsurable.

BU Director Kym Burke said he had long hoped to retain the structures adjacent to the intersection and had commissioned detailed plans for their retention, prepared by JPE Architects, at considerable cost. However, the latest adopted flood modelling confirmed this was no longer feasible.

He said demolition is a necessary step in delivering the approved masterplan vision for the site and will open up the corner of Hutchinson and Morphett Streets with improved landscaping and pedestrian access.

The endorsed masterplan includes a food and beverage tenancy on the corner of Morphett and Hutchinson Streets to help activate the Town Square.

Mr Burke added that while he is passionate about heritage and reluctant to remove an existing building, as demonstrated with what has been achieved at Newenham, preparing the site for long-term resilience ensures the success of the development and delivers a high-quality outcome for the community.