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Okay Read MoreBerri Hotel Riverview Apartments
Posted: 22nd June 2021
Posted in: Latest News
MEDIA RELEASE
New tourism development to drive growth for Berri, SA.
Anticipation is building in Berri, one of South Australia’s iconic regional towns, as the new Berri Hotel Riverview Apartments take shape.
This exciting new tourism development, designed by South Australian architect Studio Nine and constructed by local builder HandBuilt, will see the creation of 20 new short-stay apartments as part of the Berri Hotel, one of South Australia’s leading community owned hotels.
With the aim of attracting more tourists and visitors to Berri, the contemporary Berri Hotel Riverview Apartments will feature versatile living and entertaining spaces, as well as picturesque river views. The apartments are scheduled to open in early 2022.
This $7.4 million development has been supported through the Commonwealth Government’s Murray Darling Basin Grant Scheme ($500,000) and the South Australian Government’s Regional Growth Fund ($1.5 million). It is forecast to drive significant benefits for Berri including:
Creation of new jobs, both directly at the hotel and indirectly into the local economy (Berri Hotel already employees 150 locals and supports a large range of local suppliers).
Generate up to 7,700 additional annual visitor nights for Berri.
Circa $2.3 million of additional annual visitor expenditure within Berri and its surrounds.
Increase the capacity for Berri Hotel to attract large events, conferences, and visiting groups.
Research from the state’s peak bodies for tourism and business events (SATC & ACB) highlights that for each $1 a visitor spends on their accommodation, a further $1 is spent in the local economy. With regional tourism in South Australia enjoying a resurgence, this underlines the importance to Berri of keeping up with demand.
Paul Stewart, Chair of Berri Hotel Group, commented on the new development, “We are very grateful to State and Federal Governments, Berri Barmera Council, and other key stakeholders, who have helped bring this exciting project to life. It is a development built by locals, operated by locals, to benefit locals, that we feel will really boost Berri’s appeal as a destination for tourism, business travel, and special events.”
Mr Stewart went on to say. “Together with other local tourism operators, Berri Hotel is committed to increasing overnight visitation to Berri. By adding this extra accommodation capacity, we will be able to attract even more people and larger events, further supporting the prosperity of our community.”
“It’s fantastic to see the project coming to fruition and to see the money flowing back through our community,” the Member for Chaffey, Tim Whetstone, said.
“Our local builders and tradies have benefitted from the State Government’s $1.5 million Regional Growth Funding, in addition to those who will gain employment through the Berri Hotel once the project is complete.”
“Our region is key economic driver for the state and our Government is supporting our regions in South Australia through this fund.”
“I would encourage any local business or organisation considering an application for the 2021-2022 competitive round to get their submissions in by July 12.”
Berri’s Mayor, Peter Hunt, expressed his excitement at the new development and the additional interest it would create for Berri. “Berri Hotel’s new apartments will be a fantastic addition to our riverfront. Berri offers an exceptional visitor and tourism experience, and more exciting infrastructure like this will only add to the appeal of our wonderful destination.”
“The apartments represent the perfect option for those seeking generous space, contemporary style, and a stunning location. I am really looking forward to seeing the finished apartments sitting pride of place here in Berri.”