A NEW 200-room, multistar resort hotel planned to be built at Sandy Creek Golf Club, less than 15 minutes east from Gawler, is set to be an “absolute game-changer” for the region.
The $38 million enhancement to the southern Barossa Valley course, funded by property investment developer Estilo, is hoped to include a wedding chapel, conference rooms, restaurant, bars, pool, fitness centre, mini golf course, and potentially a helipad.
A brand-new club house and pro shop is also slated to be built, with the final product expected to create 220 new jobs.
While development approval is still being sought, should the project proceed as planned Estilo representative Paul Ogilvie said it will be “the catalyst for attracting new visitors to the region who will use the resort as a base for a range of activities”.
“The proposed resort at Sandy Creek Golf Club will cater for guests looking for a higher standard resort-style experience, and true on-course luxury accommodation with full service,” Mr Ogilvie said.
“High-wealth visitors could be potentially catered for with the option of helicopter flights from Adelaide airport direct to the resort and club.
“Golf accommodation packages will be a major drawcard for the resort and club.
“The ability to accommodate large numbers is a competitive advantage – no high-end accommodation in the Barossa currently has this capacity, and therefore will not be able to host bigger groups, conferences, weddings, etc.
“The resort and the golf club, by promoting the services of each other, will enjoy a mutually beneficial relationship in increasing visitor numbers to the location.”
It is estimated the resort would add an extra three to four per cent to the Barossa Valley’s Gross Domestic Product.
Sandy Creek Golf Club has enjoyed significant success in recent years after rebranding itself from its former identity, as Gawler Golf Club, in 2014.
It received back to back Club SA awards for Best Regional Small Club of the Year in 2016 and 2017, and president Jason Assender said the latest commitment from Estilo will take the club to even greater heights.
“Pursuing the development of accommodation here at Sandy Creek Golf Club has been high on the committee’s agenda for a number of years,” Mr Assender said.
“The objective being, to develop surplus club land and generate an additional income stream, greater visitation and provide an improved, broader offering for both members and guests.”
Outgoing general manager David Rice, who will remain involved with the development despite recently starting a position at Glenelg Golf Club, said he and the club began talks with Estilo midway through 2017 about the proposal.
“Estilo were well-positioned to invest in such a development, having interests in other key tourism destinations, and it was felt their key objectives and values aligned very well with those of the club,” Mr Rice said.
“Since then, there has been numerous discussions and meetings, and a considerable amount of work invested into securing a partnership with Estilo that would provide mutual benefit to both parties.”
Sandy Creek PGA professional and club manager Brayden Wauchope said the realisation of the project would be an “absolute game-changer” for both the club and the region.
“In addition to the accommodation and new golfing facilities, the club is set to benefit financially from the long-term land lease – we will not be selling our asset – and greatly increased visitation,” he said.
“Membership numbers have been growing over the past few years and with this news it will sure to increase demand, with the club continuing to offer value to its existing members even beyond the hotel’s inception.
“We hope those in the region will share in the same sense of excitement and optimism for the future of our great club as we do, as we look to the prospect of a greatly improved offering for all stakeholders, visitors and the wider community.”
Construction of the resort is hoped to be completed by late 2020.