A $25 million hotel complex, with function centre, restaurant, cafe and shops, has been proposed for just north of the Tanunda township.

A development application was released on notice last week, detailing plans for a five-star tourist accommodation facility of 141 rooms and six villa units.

It was lodged by Outhred English Urban and Regional Planners on behalf of developer Barossa Central Pty Ltd and affects a 9.34-hectare parcel of land at 250-252 Murray Street (Barossa Valley Way), Tanunda.

The application says the proposed five-star tourist accommodation complex would “help fill a market gap as an alternative to Adelaide’s five-star accommodation”.

“There is clearly an economic benefit in developing a five-star tourist accommodation complex in the Barossa to address the market gap of high-quality accommodation to further attract interstate and overseas tourists,” it states.

“In particular, the position of the proposal immediately adjacent to Tanunda will provide a considerable economic uplift to the township in addition to the broader economic benefits to the entire Barossa Valley.”

Plans submitted to Barossa Council show the existing cottage will be converted to a cafe, with existing barns converted to toilets and seating area.

A main building would house a reception and administration area, bar, kitchen and dining room, and a 364-square metre conference/function centre.

The residential suites will be divided into three wings, with three additional buildings housing the six villa units.

“The two shops will be for the sale of Barossa Valley produce and a specialised tourist shop selling authentic Australian products, hiring bikes and providing local tourist information,” the application states.

“...the restaurant (of 140-seat capacity) services the tourist accommodation and any conferences or functions occurring in the function centre.”

The application says the development will be single-storey and has been designed to be sympathetic to the character of the Barossa.

“The appearance of the proposed complex is unique, exhibiting various styles of architecture,” it says.

“This includes extremely attractive buildings facing Barossa Valley Way... .”

A similar development application for the same lot of land was previously lodged with council in 2016, but proposed accommodation of 203 rooms. It was withdrawn earlier this year, ahead of the latest application being submitted in May.

A spokesman for the developers told The Bunyip he would comment on the proposal at a later time.