A new 12-storey luxury hotel set among vineyards in South Australia’s Barossa has been granted planning approval for development.
Seppeltsfield Barossa first revealed details of the $50 million project in April 2020, which at that time, was earmarked for a 2022 opening. The unique design of the structure has been derived from a wine barrel that has been deconstructed and twisted.
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This week, Seppeltsfield confirmed the Light Regional Council had approved ‘The Oscar’ having addressed concerns about the structure from neighbouring properties. In its 426-page analysis handed down on 1 June, the council determined “the proposal is considered a complementary land use to the existing large scale Seppeltsfield Winery land use and ancillary tourist pursuits that exist within the Seppeltsfield Tourist Complex“.
Work on the project is set to now commence before the end of 2022, with construction slated to take 18 months.
Toby Yap, Project Director, yesterday [2 June 2022] said: “We are thrilled to finally have approval and to move into the next phases after investing almost $2 million into the project to date.”
Dubbed ‘Oscar Seppeltsfield’ the development is being funded by a group of South Australian business leaders who remain 100% committed to moving forward with the Barossa’s first proposed six-star luxury accommodation. The hotel will feature 71 rooms, suites and penthouses – all with private balconies and ranging in size from 40 sqm to 118 sqm.
According to paperwork lodged with the council, the room count will start at 11 suites on the second and third floors, progressively getting less as the structure narrows as it rises. The two “premium sized” suites will be on the 11th floor.
The hotel will offer a top-level viewing deck with 360-degree views of the Barossa, wellness spa, “world-class restaurant”, infinity pool, and more.
Oscar Seppeltsfield is expected to bring an additional $90 million in tourism expenditure and attract new markets to the region and drive growth in domestic and international visitor economy within the first five years.
“A tender process has been undertaken to choose a luxury hotel operator and we look forward to announcing this exciting partnership soon,” Yap said.
Warren Randall, Seppeltsfield proprietor and Executive Chairman said, “The Oscar Seppeltsfield will complete the grand vision of our tourism master plan – to be the most desirable epicurean destination for tourists worldwide. A national icon for South Australia, a Sydney Opera House for the Barossa.
“Positioned gently in the middle of our Great Terraced Vineyard, the Oscar Seppeltsfield will be surrounded by century-old bush vines, an amazing tranquil location and a short walking distance to the Seppeltsfield precinct – home to our world-class Cellar Door, Centennial Cellar, 1888 Gravity Cellar, FINO restaurant, Jam Factory Craft and Design Studios, Artisan Knife Making, Vasse Virgin, Master Cooper, Segway Vineyard Tours, Fine Art Photography Gallery and Artisan Caterer.
“After wide and extended community consultation and support for the first 6 Star luxury resort and spa in an Australian wine district, the Barossa is the winner,” Randall concluded.