A major luxury hotel and tourism project has been given the green light for the Barossa Valley, with planning approval now granted for the proposed InterContinental Barossa Resort & Spa.
The five-star hotel and winery development is planned for Hoffnungsthal Road at Williamstown, bringing a globally recognised accommodation brand to one of Australia’s most iconic wine regions.
The project, led by Strategic Alliance and Commercial Pty Ltd, is set to deliver up to 150 hotel rooms, along with a restaurant, premium function facilities and wide-reaching views across the Barossa. Once operating, the development is expected to generate between $70 million and $100 million in annual economic benefits for the region.
The proposal was declared a Major Project on 8 August 2024 and was assessed as an Impact Assessed Development, the highest level of assessment available under South Australia’s planning system. As part of that process, a detailed Environmental Impact Statement was prepared, with assessment requirements set by the independent State Planning Commission.
The EIS was also opened for community, government agency and council feedback, with issues including landscape and character, traffic, congestion, bushfire risk, infrastructure and design considered during the assessment.
Minister for Housing and Urban Development 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.”
“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.”
The InterContinental brand already has a presence in South Australia through InterContinental Adelaide, with the new Barossa resort expected to further strengthen the state’s luxury accommodation offering.
Minister for Tourism 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.”
“We are experiencing record growth in the accommodation sector, supported by our investment in major events and strong tourism offerings.”
Directors of Strategic Alliance, George Economou and David Cook, said, “We’re 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.”
They also thanked the government, regional agencies, project team and those involved throughout the planning process.
