THE state government is assessing a proposal to create a wellness retreat and luxury resort at the heritage-listed Martindale Hall in the Clare Valley.
Sustainability, Environment and Conservation Minister Ian Hunter said the proponents have lodged an unsolicited proposal to either purchase or secure a long-term lease on the property and the nearby Coach House.
“Since the previous lease on Martindale Hall ended last year, we have been exploring options to secure this historic building’s future while maintaining its heritage values,” he said.
“Heritage-based tourism is an important component of the tourism industry – nearly half of all overseas visitors to SA take the time to visit one of our many heritage buildings during their time in our state.
“We want to build on this. However, like any proposal of this nature, it will be subject to rigorous assessment in line with the unsolicited proposals process before any decision is made on whether to proceed.”
The proposal has been put forward by the Martindale Hall Partnership – comprising Seppeltsfield Wines managing director Warren Randall and Kilikanoon Wines managing director Warrick Duthy.
Tourism Minister Leon Bignell said the government was keenly aware of local community interest in the future of Martindale Hall, which featured in the iconic Australian film Picnic at Hanging Rock.
“Hearing the views of the community is an important part of this process, and there will be consultation to ensure members of the community have their say,” he said.
“We want to ensure that – if this proposal is to proceed - the local tourism industry benefits and the site’s heritage values are maintained, and members of the public have access to the site.”
The Department for Environment, Water and Natural Resources has been appointed lead agency for the assessment, and will assess the project as the Martindale Hall Partnership finalise its
proposal.
A caretaker was appointed to manage Martindale Hall late last year, after an Expression of Interest process failed to identify any suitable long-term operators.