The Town Centres Urban Design Frameworks for each of the four major towns were finalised in March 2006.  These frameworks provide the vision and strategic direction to create vibrant, attractive and commercially successful towns.  The project is a result of significant community and stakeholder consultation that you may have already been involved in.

The Framework assists Council, State Government Agencies, the private sector and the local community to focus resources and effort into achieving the long-term vision for the towns rather than haphazard development, which could be detrimental in the long term.

Kangaroo Island Council have received funding from Planning SA to complete a Townships Plan Amendment Report, as well as further funding to implement four projects as a result of the first stage of the Town Centres Project.

Project Background

Parndana Gateway and Signage Plan
Parndana is the most central town on the Island, situated along the Playford Highway but not visible from the highway and there is a lack of legible signage to direct visitors.  This project involves the preparation of iconic landscape features at the gateway points of the town combined with plans for the design and siting of signage to clearly identify the entrance to the town.

The Parndana framework identified the lack of economic vitality within the town was partly due to the failure to attract a greater portion of the many visitors who pass by the town on route to the attractions at the western end of the Island.  Creating a more legible entrance is the first step in enhancing the economic vitality of the town.

Penneshaw Village Square Design
The creation of a 'village square' and focal point is a major opportunity to attract interest from visitors and fulfil the community's desire to establish Penneshaw as the arts and cultural focus of the Island. The 'village square' would provide the opportunity for outdoor art exhibits and stimulus for other initiatives (including an arts and cultural precinct), being strategically situated alongside the town's business transaction centre that is already a focal point for activity in the town.

American River Township Growth Master Plan
The scenic environmental setting of American River is experiencing pressures for development that threatens to erode the attractiveness of the rural and natural backdrop of the town.  The need to guide future growth of the town was identified as a high priority in the Town Centres Urban Design Framework's Implementation Plan.

This project aims to preserve the environmental and visual qualities of the area by protecting visually sensitive areas and areas of biodiversity value, identifying appropriate forms of development, and ensuring integration with existing development.

Kingscote Gateway Precinct Master Plan
The gateway precinct is extremely important to the town because it provides the first impression and main route for all vehicles entering the town of Kingscote. The precinct comprises a mix of residential and light industrial properties that front Kohinoor Road.

The short-term goal of this project is to substantially enhance the area contained within the road reserve with a longer term goal to encourage private property owners to enhance their business and residential properties. This will also be facilitated through a change to the Development Plan zone provisions.

Town Centres Stage 2 - Walking Trails Design

The public consultation for the concept drawings has now closed.

The project also includes the development of Streetscapes for Parndana Cook Street and Penneshaw Nat Thomas street as well as a style guide for Kingscote.

Related Links

• Stage 1 - Parndana Gateway and Signage Plan
• Stage 1 - Penneshaw Village Square Design Concept
• Stage 1 - American River Township Growth Master Plan
• Stage 1 - Kingscote Gateway Precinct Master Plan
• Stage 2 - Draft Concept Presentation American River
• Stage 2 - Draft Concept Presentation Kingscote
• Stage 2 - Draft Concept Presentation Parndana
• Stage 2 - Draft Concept Presentation Penneshaw