The commercial strip of Main Road, McLaren Vale is approximately 2.0 kilometres long, currently comprising six zones and one subzone within the urban township boundary. Main Road’s length and diversity of activities provides the capacity for a wide variety of services and facilities. However, these same attributes present a challenge to the main street to successfully perform as a cohesive and vibrant town centre for local and regional community needs while also servicing the tourist trade.

There is increasing pressure on McLaren Vale to provide some infill housing, allow for local employment growth and improve as a regional service centre and tourism town. Updating the development policies for the McLaren Vale township is intended to provide greater flexibility and certainty for investment and clearly define a town centre that supports retail, residential and commercial activities.

McLaren Vale is identified as a township within the McLaren Vale Character Preservation District and strict boundaries are established which prevent further urban development expansion. Directing growth within planned growth areas will ensure the integrity of the McLaren Vale Character Preservation District.