‘Jungle’ could be razed for three-storey accommodation at the Kent Town Hotel

A three-storey tourist accommodation building is proposed for the back half of the Kent Town Hotel under an $11 million, two-stage plan for the Rundle St pub.

The Kent Town Hotel’s front bar would also get a facelift under the $11 million plans.

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The Kent Town Hotel’s popular Jungle restaurant could make way for a three-storey, short-term tourist accommodation building under an $11 million, two-stage plan for the Rundle St pub.

Hotel owner Tom Hannah lodged plans with the State Government’s assessment panel late last month for a 75-room development including a ground floor gym and 20 additional carparking spaces in the existing 60-lot basement.

Mr Hannah said the $9 million, three-storey building — incorporating the right hand side of the heritage-listed pub when facing from Rundle St – would take approximately 18 months to build.

Catering for up to 150 guests, the expansion would mean the end of the jungle-themed restaurant at the hotel.

The Jungle restaurant would be razed as part of the plans. Picture: AAP/ Noelle Bobrige.

The back half of the hotel, including the Jungle restaurant, would be demolished under the plans. Picture: Tait Schmaal

However, Mr Hannah stressed the second stage could be several years off from completion.

“It really depends on all the approvals we need,” Mr Hannah said of his proposed plans.

“This could be several years away.

“We will split the hotel up (if approved).

“It’s very exciting. We’re sliding into a niche (with this plan).”

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Mr Hannah said he had already received Norwood, Payneham & St Peters Council approval to refurbish the front bar.

The $2 million works are expected to begin early in the new year.

“It will be a local, up-market hotel for new residents,” Mr Hannah told The Messenger.

“It’s mostly cosmetic (changes).

“We are hoping it will take all of next year to complete.”

Mr Hannah said the hotel needed a new direction.

“It’s very busy during peak periods but when it’s quiet we bleed to death.”

He said design plans and artist impressions for either stage were not yet available.