Bird in Hand lodges plans for glam workers’ accommodation in Woodside
Complete with gym, games room and cosy fireplace retreat, this could be Australia’s best wine workers accommodation.
Adelaide Hills
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A Hills winery is stepping it up a notch when it comes to looking after the welfare of its workers.
Bird in Hand Winery has lodged plans with the Adelaide Hills Council to convert an old storage shed into high-end workers’ accommodation at on Pfeiffer Road, Woodside.
The development is expected to cost upwards of $100,000 and service around 50 workers at different times throughout the year.
If approved, the project will be the latest development to form part of Bird in Hand’s $30 million expansion.
In the report, project consultant Garth Heynen said the new workers’ quarters was a vital asset to the winery’s overall operation, which would see an increase in employment numbers over the coming years.
“With previously approved and impending development on the land, the storage building has become has superfluous and the health and safety needs of employees and become paramount,” he said.
“The proposed workers’ quarters are essential to the operation of the vineyard and winery activities occurring on site.”
Mr Heynen said employees working on site could range from 65 in peak periods to 45 in off-peak periods.
“It is estimated that approximately 20 employees would use the proposed workers’ quarters for general wellbeing, stress relief and rest and recovery,” he said.
“It is estimated that 30 employees are different times throughout the year would use the workers quarters for overnight accommodation … which would coincide with monitoring the various critical parts of the winemaking process, for example during vintage and during September and October.”
Concept images show the quarters shy away from the traditional barracks-style accommodation and instead feature a ground-level premises with a luxury interiors.
Highlights include a gym and games room, an open-plan living and dining space with a fire place, and a gourmet kitchen with wide wooden countertop.
There are also three bedrooms, two with double beds and wardrobes, while the third feature two bunk beds.
Residents will share a spacious bathroom with a shower and a bath, while a European-style laundry is incorporated in the kitchen.
Panel-style skylights also stretch along the entirety of the accommodation, while fixtures and fittings give an urban feel.
The development application is in its public notification stage, meaning residents are invited to voice their support or concerns. Community consultations close October 30.
