Approval granted for a luxury 5-star resort project in Adelaide

The City of Onkaparinga has officially given property developer Greaton the green light to commence construction on their new 10-building luxury resort in McLaren Vale, 38 kilometres south of Adelaide. The development is a partnership between Greaton and sustainable wine purveyors Wirra Wirra, with plans to build a 33-key resort, situated amongst the Wirra Wirra vineyards.

Recent data from the South Australian Tourism Commission found that there were only 3% of overnight visitors to the Fleurieu Peninsula between 2018 to 2019, many of which were intrastate visitors. Greaton decided to embark on this ambitious project to drive an uplift in international tourism within the Fleurieu Peninsula region. 

"This year, expenditure is forecast to increase to $509M*, so while growth in this market is expected, we are confident this resort will go some way to further increasing international visitation once completed. In addition, to further increase the appeal to overseas visitors, we are currently negotiating with an international wellness-oriented resort operator that runs some of the most renowned resorts and hotels around the world – we hope to be in a position to announce this partnership soon."

Nicho Teng, Greaton Managing Director

*from $476 million between 2018-2019.

Wirra Wirra Managing Director, Andrew Kay, explains that the winery staff often hear from inbound tourism operators about the lack of premium accommodation offerings in the Fleurieu Peninsula region. 

"We presented our hotel concept to potential suppliers at the 2019 Australian Tourism Exchange in Adelaide, and the response was overwhelmingly positive. They would book tomorrow if they could."

Kay believes that the 5-star development will add significant value to the Peninsula and drive international awareness of the area. 

Blink Design Group has designed the approved plans for the spa resort, which also includes an infinity pool, function hall and the restoration of a heritage building, which previously belonged to the winery founder Robert Wigley.

"The building is quite derelict, and the development provides the opportunity to give it a purposeful role into the future." 

Andrew Kay, Wirra Wirra Managing Director

The heritage building is set to become a bookable luxury bridal suite once restorative works are complete. 

Construction is slated to begin in November this year, with completion anticipated for 2022.