This project incorporates a ‘stop element’ (visual cue installation) which gets the attention of passersby, and creates a more enjoyable streetscape with improved landscaping, shade and lighting and increased outdoor dining opportunities and seating options.

These actions promote a tourism precinct along Main Road McLaren Vale, where visitors will linger at a point that showcases the region and encourages them to spend at local businesses in the area.

The project is focused on a section of the main street identified through earlier visitor and community engagement as having the strongest tourism potential, enlivening Main Road McLaren Vale as an attractive destination and unlocking the economic potential of the visitor economy.

The key objective of this work is to revitalise and activate the economic potential of the main street, with progress to be made in phases as opportunities arise. We will continue to collaborate with the McLaren Vale Business and Tourism Association to achieve this shared vision.

Project outcomes

We asked the community to share their thoughts on the draft McLaren Vale Main Road concept plan through an online survey and an in-person information session.

In response to the community feedback, council plans to proceed with the streetscape plan while addressing concerns.

For full details of the engagement outcomes and council's response click on Engagement Outcomes below.

In consideration of these concerns we will:

• Developing a landscape design featuring Australian native plant species.
• Removing the built-out area adjacent to the Fruit Packers building (accommodating the Fruchocs and the Bloke Shop businesses) to retain the car park.
• Retaining the built-out area near the McLaren Vale Hotel for alfresco dining, with this feature to only be delivered if funded by the hotel. We will collaborate with the hotel to ensure safety through the design development process.
• Reduce the number of visual cues from 21 pillars across two sites to 15 pillars at one site.
• Incorporate four interpretive elements, including 'viewfinders' in the pillars showing images of the surrounding locality.

Funding for the visual cues was approved by Council several years ago so is not related to the 2024/2025 budget process.

Please find the final concept plan [here]. We will now continue to progress the project incorporating the mentioned changes, to detailed design and construction.

Necessary approvals will also be required prior to commencing the streetscape upgrades and visual cues including development approval in accordance with relevant planning policy. We will continue to work closely with the McLaren Vale Business and Tourism Association, affected businesses, and stakeholders as we move towards finalising the detailed design.