A significant new hotel and tourism development in the Barossa Valley has been granted planning approval, paving the way for a world-class hospitality offering in one of South Australia's most celebrated wine regions.
Strategic Alliance and Commercial Pty Ltd has been granted approval by the Minister for Planning to develop the 5-star hotel and winery on Hoffnungsthal Road, Williamstown.
Once operating, the InterContinental Barossa Resort & Spa would create $70 - $100 million in annual economic benefits to the Barossa.
The landmark project will deliver up to 150 hotel rooms with breathtaking views of the nation's most iconic wine region, a restaurant and premium function facilities under the globally-recognised InterContinental brand.
The proposal was declared a Major Project on 8 August 2024 and classified as an Impact Assessed Development - the most stringent level of assessment within the South Australian planning system.
This process required the preparation of a detailed Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), with assessment requirements set by the independent State Planning Commission.
The EIS was made available for community, government agency and council feedback.
Key issues raised by the community, including landscape and character, traffic and congestion, bushfire risk, infrastructure impacts and design were thoroughly considered and addressed as part of the assessment process.
IHG Hotels and Resorts is one of the world's signature hotel companies, with hotels spanning the globe including the InterContinental Adelaide.
Tourism Minister Emily Bourke said the InterContinental Barossa Resort & Spa would be an exciting addition to our state's accommodation sector and help connect the Barossa with the brand's global customer base.
"This is another example of the growing confidence in South Australia as not only a global destination of choice but as an attractive place to invest and do business," she said.
"We are experiencing record growth in the accommodation sector, supported by our investment in major events and strong tourism offerings"
Planning Minister Nick Champion said this approval has been earned through the most stringent assessment process available under South Australia's planning system.
"Community voices were heard, key issues were carefully examined and independent expert advice was considered every step of the way," he said.
"This is the right outcome for the Barossa and South Australia."
"This development is a vote of confidence in South Australia and the economic benefits will flow through the Barossa for generations to come."
George Economou and David Cook, the directors of developers Strategic Alliance said they are pleased to have received planning approval and look forward to progressing to the next stage of the project.
"Our team is committed to delivering a high quality hotel that contributes to South Australia's tourism offering and supports local jobs."
"We are also grateful for the constructive engagement with various state government and regional agencies throughout the planning pathway and take this opportunity to thank them, our project team and everyone we have engaged with on this journey."
