Seppeltsfield reveals plans for towering $50m luxury hotel in Barossa Valley
A $50 million, 12-storey luxury hotel is the centrepiece of Seppeltsfield’s bid to become one of the world’s top five wineries. The developer says it would become a “national icon” – but what’s your verdict on the design? TAKE OUR POLL
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A $50 million, six-star, 12-storey luxury hotel is the centrepiece of Seppeltsfield’s bid to become one of the world’s top five wineries.
Developers and the winery said the stunning building, named Oscar Seppeltsfield after renowned innovator Oscar Benno Seppelt, would become an iconic landmark for the Barossa.
The building was devised after a gap in the market was identified in research commissioned by the South Australian Tourism Commission.
It showed only 28 accommodation options out of 161 in the Barossa rated at four stars or above, leaving high-end visitors with little options if they wish to stay.
South Australian Premier Steven Marshall welcomed the development as evidence the tourism industry would quickly bounce back from the effects of coronavirus.
“I’m very excited about the potential for tourism in the Barossa and across regional South Australia. This type of investment in the region will be great,” he said.
This project is being funded and driven by a group of South Australian business leaders and will be considered for approval at Light Regional Council on Monday night.
Project spokesman Toby Yap said the hotel would have 70 rooms, including penthouses, and a private balcony for every room.
“The Barossa is famous for its wine, food, and spectacular sights, but what it needs is an iconic luxury hotel to cater to local and international guests that visit the region,’’ he said.
“We are thrilled to be bringing this landmark project to one of the greatest wine regions in the world.
“With over 897,000-day trips to the Barossa in 2019, Oscar Seppeltsfield will be a place where people can stay longer, immerse, indulge and relax.’’
Features of the hotel will be a sky bar on the top level with 360-degree views of the Barossa, a ground-floor wellness day spa, relaxation space and infinity pool.
Direct tourism expenditure as a result of the hotel is expected to be $19m per year and$86m over the first five years.
The complex is expected to attract 147,166 visitors over the first five years with the hotel completion date set for early 2022.
Seppeltsfield owner and executive chairman Warren Randall said the project would put the history winery on the global stage.
“Oscar will complete the grand vision of our tourism master plan for Seppeltsfield to become the most desirable epicurean destination for tourists worldwide,’’ he said.
“We wanted to create a national icon for South Australia – a Sydney Opera House for the Barossa.
“The addition of this luxury hotel will elevate Seppeltsfield to one of the top five vineyards in the world, in turn lifting Australia’s international wine reputation.”
The project is expected to create 363 construction jobs and 350 ongoing jobs for the region once operational.
Terry Boxall, head architect of Intro Architecture, said he designed the hotel taking inspiration from the history of Seppeltsfield winery and the wine barrels in the Centennial Cellar.
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