Plans for a $60m hotel in McLaren Vale revealed for Leconfield Wines
A major hotel and resort at one of McLaren Vale’s most popular wineries would be the toast of the town, a local business leader says, as designs for the project are officially lodged.
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A $60 million hotel proposed for McLaren Vale would help boost tourism to the world-renowned wine region, the head of the business and tourism association says.
Leconfield Winery — owned by Richard Hamilton — has lodged plans with Onkaparinga Council for a two-storey resort on McMurtrie Rd.
According to the plans, the 150-room hotel — around the corner from Leconfield Wines on Main Rd — includes two restaurants, a day-spa, a gym and a pool.
It would also feature a cellar door, a cafe, shops, a conference area and a two-level carpark.
The buildings would be “immersed” in the surrounding vines.
McLaren Vale Business and Tourism Association president Sandy Mount believed better accommodation was key to boosting the local economy because too many people currently only stayed in the region for the day.
“The major factor with tourism in McLaren Vale is that we are close enough to the CBD of Adelaide to attract visitors on a daily basis but with the lack of modern, quality accommodation those visitors return to Adelaide at the end of the day,” Mr Mount said.
“If tourists have the opportunity to stay overnight in the township in quality accommodation it will be excellent for the business community.
“We remain excited in The McLaren Vale Business and Tourism Association at the potential for these accommodation opportunities coming to our town.”
The town is renowned for its world-famous wineries and about 700,000 people visit the Fleurieu Peninsula, which includes McLaren Vale, each year.
McLaren Vale is also home to popular festivals including Sea and Vines, the McLaren Vale Vintage and Classic car show and the Tour Down Under, all of which draw thousands of people to the area.
Several hotels have been planned for McLaren Vale in the past few years.
Last year, Wirra Wirra announced it was partnering with developer Greaton to build the first five-star hotel and in June plans were lodged with the council for a three-storey hotel directly behind the McLaren Vale Central Shopping Centre.
Dr Hamilton, a fifth generation wine grower, established his winery and vineyards at McLaren Vale in 1972.
His ancestor — also called Richard Hamilton — was one of Australia’s first winemakers having established a vineyard in the southern suburbs in 1837.
